Vitaly Zarubin, the deputy head of the Ukhta city administration in the Komi Republic, has left to join the zone of the special military operation. Vladimir Uiba, who leads the district administration, announced the move during a public meeting, a disclosure that drew attention from residents across the region. Zarubin’s decision stands as one of the most visible steps by a sitting regional official toward frontline service, and it sparked a wide range of reactions about what it means for leadership in a time of national conflict. Observers noted the significance of such a move, recognizing both the personal risk involved and the message it sends about civic responsibility. The district administration stressed that the action was voluntary and in line with the duties citizens bear in wartime. The notice described Zarubin as joining a unit operating within the framework of the SVO and working in cooperation with regular armed forces. Local officials and community members debated how Ukhta would function in Zarubin’s absence and who would take on his responsibilities in the short term. The announcement circulated through local Telegram channels and community networks, where it inspired varied responses and discussions about public service and sacrifice. [Citation: District administration Telegram channel]
An activist from the Voluntary Company movement has joined the GROM Cascade brigade, the district message states, signaling another instance of civilians stepping into military roles during the SVO. The description underscores the involvement of civilian volunteers who connect their civic work to frontline duty. The GROM Cascade unit is presented as part of the larger operational framework where volunteer formations work alongside regular forces. Analysts note that such moves highlight a link between civic activism and national service, reinforcing a narrative in which public energy supports defense efforts. The district administration shared the update across regional channels, inviting readers to reflect on how local governance and national security intersect in these times. [Citation: District administration Telegram channel]
Uiba described Zarubin’s action as a bold illustration of courage and commitment. He framed the decision as a personal obligation toward the state and its citizens. In discussions that followed, officials and residents weighed the potential impact on local governance while acknowledging the message these actions convey to others in public life. Supporters expressed admiration for the willingness to serve, while some questioned the practical effects on administration and on the delivery of services in Ukhta. Across the region, conversations focused on the broader idea that public servants can lead communities while answering the call to defend the country. [Citation: District administration Telegram channel]
Earlier, Alexander Sytov, who previously led the administration of the Tselinnoy district in the Kurgan region, left for the SVO after signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense. Local broadcasters reported that Sytov had already arrived at the designated military unit, confirming that the move involved actual deployment rather than a ceremonial gesture. The shift added to a wider pattern of regional officials moving to serve in the zone, a development that attracted attention from political observers and residents alike. In many quarters, discussion centered on how such transitions would affect local governance at home while the front line commitments expanded to include more civilian leaders. The reports of Sytov’s status were echoed across multiple local outlets, contributing to a broader narrative about public service crossing boundaries for national needs. [Citation: Local outlets]
On September 12 it became known that the former mayor of Sochi, Alexey Kopaygorodsky, who resigned in May 2024, is involved in the special military operation. Reports described Kopaygorodsky as having joined a unit through formal channels, with the news circulating through regional media and social channels. Observers noted that his move aligns with a broader pattern of public figures transitioning from political posts into active service roles within the SVO framework. Separately, it was reported that a former Yakutia Minister of Youth Affairs had also departed to participate in the operation, signaling a wider trend of public service moving into military involvement. The overall tone of coverage suggests a shift in how community leaders perceive their responsibilities during the conflict and how residents interpret leadership in wartime. [Citation: Regional media coverage]