Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly considering removing Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko from her position following his upcoming inauguration. Abramchenko, who has been overseeing environmental projects, natural resources, and Russia’s agro-industrial complex since 2020, could potentially be reassigned to a different role within the government. Putin is expected to name a new prime minister on May 8, and the new head of government will propose a cabinet of ministers for approval.
Speculation suggests that Abramchenko may be appointed as chairwoman of the Audit Chamber, a financial control body, or could potentially retain her position with a smaller portfolio. Some sources also suggest that she may continue to work within the presidential circle in a different capacity that aligns with her current environmental policy focus. Putin has recently emphasized environmental issues, allocating a significant budget to the “Ecology” national project for 2025-2030 in his address to the Russian parliament in February.
The decision regarding Abramchenko’s future role will depend on the composition of the future cabinet, including the number of deputy prime ministers and potential redistribution of policy areas. Her spokesperson declined to comment on the reports of her potential removal. The delay in Abramchenko’s removal since 2023 suggests that alternative career paths are being considered for her, indicating that her exit from the current position may not be immediate.
The potential removal of Abramchenko from her post underscores the shifts and changes expected in the Russian government following Putin’s upcoming inauguration for his fifth presidential term. The appointment of a new prime minister and subsequent cabinet reshuffling will likely set the stage for the country’s policy direction in various sectors, including environmental and agricultural issues. Abramchenko’s tenure as deputy prime minister has been marked by her oversight of key areas of focus, and whatever role she assumes in the future may continue to reflect her interests and expertise in these sectors.
As Putin prepares to name his new prime minister and finalize the composition of his cabinet, the fate of Abramchenko remains uncertain. Whether she will be reassigned to a different role within the government, potentially retaining her focus on environmental policies, or moved to a new position altogether, will become clearer in the coming days. The decisions made regarding Abramchenko will not only impact her career trajectory but also the direction of key policy areas under her purview, setting the tone for the government’s agenda in the years ahead.
