ST. PETERSBURG (Realist English). Governor Alexander Drozdenko has announced a series of senior appointments in the government of Russia’s Leningrad region, naming new vice-governors and heads of key committees as the regional administration prepares for what he described as “serious tasks ahead.”
Konstantin Patraev has been appointed Vice-Governor for Internal Policy, while Yaroslav Serov will serve as Vice-Governor for Security. Both officials previously worked within the regional governing team known as “Team 47.”
Drozdenko also introduced new committee leaders. Denis Belyaev will head the Housing and Utilities Committee, and Vyacheslav Pleshakov has been appointed Chairman of the Committee for State Housing Supervision and Control.
Pleshakov is the only newcomer to the administration. Until September, he served in the Russian Armed Forces and was awarded the Order “For Services to the Fatherland” (2nd class, with swords), the Medal “For Courage” and the Suvorov Medal. He participated in military operations during the Special Military Operation and later completed an internship under the presidential “Time of Heroes” program, after which he was invited to join the regional government.
Drozdenko said the appointments bring experienced and proven managers into critical roles. “I hope my colleagues won’t need much time to get up to speed. The tasks are serious — as they say, start fast and go straight into battle,” he remarked.
