Sergei Melikov resigned

Putin signed a decree dismissing Dagestan Head Sergei Melikov, appointing Fyodor Shchukin as acting head of the republic.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," on April 30, Putin announced that Dagestan Head Sergey Melikov was leaving the republic and moving on to another position. The head of the republic's Supreme Court, Fyodor Shchukin, has been nominated for the post of Dagestan Head. Melikov will serve until the presidential decree on his resignation is issued, authorities explained.

Sergey Melikov resigned voluntarily, and Fyodor Shchukin has been appointed acting head of the republic. Vladimir Putin signed a decree to this effect, Kommersant reports.

Presidential Decree No. 291 "On the Acting Head of the Republic of Dagestan" is dated May 4 and posted on the "Official Publication of Legal Acts" website.

"Accept the resignation of the Head of the Republic of Dagestan, S.A. Melikov, at his own request. Appoint Fyodor Vyacheslavovich Shchukin as Acting Head of the Republic of Dagestan until the person elected as Head of the Republic of Dagestan assumes office. This Decree shall enter into force on the day of its signing," the document states.

As a reminder, Melikov failed to stabilize the situation in the republic as Head of Dagestan. Unrest at Makhachkala airport, protests against mobilization, and terrorist attacks in Makhachkala and Derbent resonated across the country, analysts noted. They noted that the sluggish response to the flooding in the spring of 2026 was the final factor leading to his resignation.