Major General Alexander Shuvaev, linked to war crimes in the war against Ukraine, has been appointed acting governor of Belgorod Oblast. Vladimir Putin has formed a new “elite” through the “Time of Heroes” program, promoting military personnel involved in combat operations against Ukraine to key regional positions.
This is reported by Finway
Shuvaev’s Past and His Role in the War Against Ukraine
Shuvaev previously commanded the 4th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade during the capture of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, and also led the 1st Motorized Rifle Brigade during the assault on Avdiivka. Analysts indicate that the units under his command were involved in numerous war crimes, including the executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Avdiivka area.
“Shuvaev previously commanded the 4th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade during the battles for Sievierodonetsk (Sievierodonetsk until 2024) and Lysychansk, as well as the 1st Motorized Rifle Brigade during the capture of Avdiivka. This unit, according to analysts, is implicated in numerous war crimes, including the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Avdiivka area.”
Militarization of Power and Reshuffles in Border Regions
Experts note that this appointment is part of the Kremlin’s policy of militarizing the leadership structures of Russia. The “Time of Heroes” program aims to increase support for the war and loyalty to the authorities by involving war veterans in regional and federal leadership.
Recently, there have been changes in the leadership of border regions in the Russian Federation, especially after criticism regarding insufficient protection against Ukrainian attacks. Analysts suggest that this is an attempt by the authorities to shift the responsibility for security issues onto local officials. In addition to Belgorod Oblast, the former head of the so-called “LPR government,” Yegor Kovalchuk, has been appointed as the interim head of Bryansk.
In September 2025, Putin dismissed Dmitry Kozak, who held the position of deputy head of the presidential administration. According to journalists, Kozak was one of the few in Putin’s circle who opposed the start of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is known that on the eve of the war, he warned the Kremlin about serious resistance from Ukraine and participated in the development of a peace agreement in the spring of 2022 — however, this project was rejected by Putin.