Krasnodar Mayor Resigns After Contentious Tenure

Krasnodar Mayor Evgueny Naumov announced his early resignation on Monday, effective immediately. Naumov's five-year term was set to conclude in November 2027, but he did not provide a reason for his departure. The Krasnodar City Duma accepted Naumov's resignation and promptly appointed First Deputy Mayor Dmitry Vasilyev to serve as the city's interim leader.

Mayor Vasilyev will be selected from a shortlist of candidates by Governor Veniamin Kondratyev. Naumov, who was born in Krasnodar in 1980, began his political career in the municipal and regional administration before being elected mayor in November 2022. His tenure was fraught with controversy, including local protests and disagreements over infrastructure and urban planning decisions.

In January, Naumov approved plans to construct an Orthodox Church on a riverside park, despite resident opposition. Since November 2025, over 30,000 individuals have signed a petition demanding his resignation. A local court has begun hearing a lawsuit against Naumov and his administration regarding the construction project. Media reports indicate that residents were unhappy with the general infrastructure plan implemented under Naumov's leadership, with approximately 27,000 citizens commenting on the plan and contributing to mass protests.

Additionally, the administration faced criticism for its handling of winter weather emergencies and delays in transit projects. The Moscow Times, an independent news organization, has faced pressure from Russian authorities, who have labeled it an "undesirable" organization and criminalized its work, posing risks to its staff. These actions are seen as attempts to suppress independent journalism in Russia.

The organization's editors have refused to be silenced and are appealing for public support to continue their work.