On May 27, 2019, information spread on resignation of Vladislav Surkov, Assistant to the President of Russian Federation. Surkov is the curator in Kremlin to Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region, as well as to Ukraine. The info was spread in Russia via popular telegram channel „Незыгар“. „Незыгар“ is a source of information close to the Kremlin, where backstage information is being published prior to its announcement in media. Ksenia Sobchak, former presidential candidate confirmed information on Surkov’s resignation.

Rumors on Surkov’s resignation have been spread several times in the past. In 2018, after the presidential elections there were a lot of talks that Surkov would leave the position of Presidential Assistant. Surkov’s work in direction of Donbas was stated to be the reason.  There was a version that Surkov no longer wanted to work on the frozen conflict in Donbas and some were blaming Surkov for the failure of the Minsk Process. According to another version, Surkov had conflict with the 5th Division of the Federal Security Service, responsible for counter-intelligence work in Donbas. However, on June 13, 2018, Surkov was re-appointed to the position of Presidential Assistant.  

Russian media wrote on Surkov’s resignation early in May, 2019. According to media, since the beginning of 2019, due to confrontation with curator enforcements to Donbas, Surkov was virtually deprived the direction of Ukrain. In last mounths Surkov’s activity in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region became less noticeable.

Currently, despite the disseminated information, other media sources don’t confirm Surkov’s resignation. The Press-Secretary of the president refused to comment on Surkov’s resignation and called it rumours. Surkov’s name is still listed on the web page of Russian President. Few days earlier, Alexey Chesnakov, Director of the Political Conjuncture Center, did not confirm Surkov’s resignation. As considered Chesnakov is close expert to Surkov.

Even though there is no official information that Surkov resigned, it is already stated that Mikhal Babich, former Russian Ambassador to Belarus, will substitute Surkov.

See more about Surkov’s relations with Abihazia and Tskhinvali Region here.