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Yekaterinburg district chief quits over persistent street filth complaints

A wave of public outrage over dirty streets forces a top official's exit. Can Yekaterinburg's 'Year of Cleanliness' turn the tide on years of neglect?

The image shows a bustling plaza mayor in the center of a city, with a group of people sitting on...
The image shows a bustling plaza mayor in the center of a city, with a group of people sitting on chairs and some standing on the ground. There are plants in pots, a metal barricade, a signboard attached to a pole, street poles, flags on the poles, buildings with windows, and a cloudy sky.

Yekaterinburg district chief quits over persistent street filth complaints

The head of Yekaterinburg’s Ordzhonikidzevsky District has resigned after repeated criticism over poor street cleanliness. Roman Kravchenko will leave his post on 30 April, following months of complaints about substandard upkeep in the area.

His departure comes as city officials face growing pressure to improve maintenance standards across districts.

Kravchenko took charge of the Ordzhonikidzevsky District in 2018, having previously led Department No. 8 of Yekaterinburg’s Interior Ministry. His resignation follows a series of warnings about neglected cleaning duties over four consecutive weeks. Mayor Alexey Orlov publicly reprimanded officials after Governor Denis Pasler criticised the city’s declining cleanliness.

Prosecutors had also raised concerns about fire safety violations and irregular documentation within the district. These issues, combined with persistent complaints about poor territorial maintenance, led to Kravchenko’s decision to step down. Deputy Mayor Alexey Bubnov had already resigned in April 2025 amid similar criticism. His exit came shortly before First Deputy Mayor Rustam Galyamov announced 2026 as the 'Year of Cleanliness', promising stricter oversight of district performance. Alexey Govorukha, Kravchenko’s deputy, will temporarily take over as acting district head while a permanent replacement is sought.

Kravchenko’s final day in office is set for 30 April. His resignation highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining public spaces, with city leaders now under increased scrutiny. The upcoming 'Year of Cleanliness' initiative suggests a renewed push to address these issues across Yekaterinburg’s districts.

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