Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Aleksey Smirnov as governor of Russia's Kursk Oblast, only seven months after his appointment. 

The dismissal comes amidst mounting public dissatisfaction and criticism of his leadership as Ukrainian forces maintain a presence in parts of the region.

Officially attributed to “communication issues with the population,” Smirnov’s removal highlights deeper governance challenges, rising public unrest and the Kremlin’s struggle to manage the ongoing conflict’s domestic repercussions. The Kursk region, which borders Ukraine, has faced significant instability following Ukrainian incursions in August 2024. Residents have voiced frustration over inadequate government support, including delays in housing compensation and evacuation planning. Reports of looting in abandoned homes – initially dismissed as misinformation – were later acknowledged, prompting local authorities to address the issue.

Protests, including a demonstration in Kursk’s Red Square, highlighted dissatisfaction with resource allocation and defence measures. Smirnov faced criticism for failing to respond to these grievances. Roman Starovoit, Kursk’s former governor and now transport minister, stated Smirnov struggled to implement federal and regional support measures effectively. 

“Over 160 measures were introduced, but communicating their implementation to residents was a significant challenge,” Starovoit said.

Smirnov released a farewell video thanking residents and pledging continued support for the region in an undisclosed future role.

In his place, Putin has appointed Alexander Khinshtein, a Duma deputy known for his media policy expertise but lacking crisis management experience, as acting governor. It is likely that Khinshtein’s role will focus heavily on public relations to rebuild trust and highlight federal efforts in the region, in an attempt to control the narrative.

The Kursk region remains volatile, with Kyiv’s military controlling over 100 settlements captured earlier this year. Counterattacks have reclaimed some areas, but the conflict continues to strain local governance. The Kremlin has emphasised the need for crisis management and urgent support for affected populations, with increased federal funding allocated to housing and infrastructure projects. The region’s recovery, however, depends heavily on resolving logistical and security challenges.