Russia's Interior Ministry faces leadership shake-up as top deputy retires
Major changes are underway in Russia's Interior Ministry. Alexander Gorovoy, the long-serving First Deputy Interior Minister, is set to step down after reaching the mandatory retirement age for his rank. His potential replacement, Igor Zubov, has not yet been officially confirmed, and no reasons have been provided for the reshuffle.
Andrei Kurnosenko, a career officer with decades of experience, could see his responsibilities shift as part of the restructuring. The moves follow Gorovoy's distinguished 42-year career in law enforcement, marked by high-level roles and state honours.
Alexander Gorovoy began his service in 1982 as a militiaman in Artemovsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, eventually leading the Interior Ministry's department in Stavropol Krai. In 2011, he was appointed First Deputy Interior Minister, a position he has held for 13 years. His tenure included oversight of national policing strategies, anti-corruption efforts, and coordination with federal units. For his contributions, he received the Order For Merit to the Fatherland, 2nd Class (2014), along with earlier distinctions in 2010 and 2002.
Gorovoy's departure comes as he reaches the maximum age limit for a police colonel-general. His career parallels that of Andrei Kurnosenko, who also served in Stavropol Krai before moving to higher roles. Kurnosenko, born in 1969 in Sevastopol, started in the Interior Ministry in 1995 as an operational officer in Moscow. He later led the ministry's Stavropol Krai division until around 2016, focusing on combating organised crime and ethnic tensions in the North Caucasus.
After 2016, Kurnosenko transitioned to a national role as First Deputy Interior Minister. His responsibilities expanded from regional policing to strategic oversight, including policy development and international cooperation. Unlike Gorovoy, his background includes naval training at the Black Sea Higher Naval School and a law degree from Moscow State Social University.
The reshuffle leaves key positions in Russia's Interior Ministry open to change. Gorovoy's exit marks the end of a decorated career, while Kurnosenko's experience suggests he may take on broader responsibilities. The ministry has not explained the reasons behind the personnel shifts, leaving questions about future leadership unanswered for now.
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