In a surprising move, Marat Mirkhaidarov, the First Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Trans-Baikal Territory, announced his intention to head to the Northern Military District. He shared the plan in a post on his book Telegram channel, saying there was a decision to join a special operation to defend the homeland. He noted that in the coming days he would travel to Grozny and enlist with the Akhmat battalion as a volunteer, emphasizing a commitment to contribute in the ongoing conflict.
When Mirkhaidarov took office in March 2023, he became the first deputy to serve in the regional administration. Before his political role, he worked as an assistant to the business ombudsman, Boris Titov, gaining experience that later informed his approach to governance and public service. This phase of his career is now seen by observers as indicative of a readiness to step into difficult frontline realities when called upon. (Source: regional administration communications)
On January 14, officials confirmed that Oleg Gumenyuk, the former mayor of Vladivostok, had been sentenced to 12 years in prison for bribery and subsequently signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense to join the war zone in Ukraine. This development underscores the broad range of civilian leaders who have become involved in or connected to wartime efforts over recent months. (Source: official court and defense ministry disclosures)
In November of the previous year, another former mayor, Vladimir Lyubarsky of Petrozavodsk, was reported to have sustained injuries while in a special military operations zone. The incidents highlight the ongoing risks faced by public figures who have moved from municipal leadership into or near active conflict areas. (Source: regional security briefings)
Additionally, national leadership has publicly acknowledged the role of volunteers within the armed forces, including a decision by President Vladimir Putin to encourage civilian volunteers to participate in combat operations. The emphasis from the leadership has consistently framed such volunteers as a crucial element in sustaining defense efforts, alongside regular military units. (Source: presidential statements and defense ministry notes)