President Vladimir Putin announced the dismissal of Natalya Vladimirovna Poklonskaya from her post as Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for CIS Affairs, Citizens Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation, commonly known as Rossotrudnichestvo. The formal decree was published by the legal information portal and took effect immediately, signaling a transition in Poklonskaya’s career with no details disclosed about her next assignment.
Poklonskaya acknowledged the development, stating through her official communications channel that she appreciated the President’s support and confidence. A spokesperson for Rossotrudnichestvo confirmed that the resignation was connected to a new role she would assume, though the exact position remained undisclosed at the time.
Her message on the telegraph channel reflected a sense of gratitude toward the leadership and a readiness to continue serving in another capacity. The move follows Poklonskaya stepping into the deputy head role in February, a few weeks before a major military operation commenced in Ukraine, which has since influenced many political and diplomatic trajectories across the region.
Public Statements and Controversy
In the ensuing months, Poklonskaya surfaced in public discourse with several notable statements regarding events in Ukraine. On a YouTube channel discussion, she described the letter Z as a symbol that carries weight of tragedy and grief for both Russia and Ukraine. The remarks drew responses from Rossotrudnichestvo leadership, including a commitment to follow up publicly on the issue in the days that followed.
Earlier, Poklonskaya addressed participants at a BRICS forum in India, sharing reflections on the unfolding crisis in Ukraine. She emphasized that the conflict impacted people on all sides and urged a balanced approach to aid and understanding. She urged BRICS representatives to consider every possible form of support and to recognize the humanity of those affected, regardless of political labels.
Speaking about the broader discourse, Poklonskaya argued against simplistic friend-or-foe categorization. She called for a measured response and greater empathy, urging actions that could reduce suffering and promote dialogue. Her message concluded with a plea for prayer, sympathy, and practical help to those in need, inviting members to contribute in any way possible.
Past Roles and Career Path
Poklonskaya’s public career began in the legal arena in Crimea, where she served as a prosecutor following the region’s incorporation into Russia. She later won a seat in the State Duma as a representative of United Russia, where she is remembered for opposing the pension reform plan during a pivotal vote. Her decision not to participate in the September 2021 elections came after a period of service as a deputy, reflecting a shift toward new assignments rather than electoral pursuits at that time.
In October of the following year, Poklonskaya took on the role of ambassador to Cape Verde, expressing pride in the President’s decision to entrust her with this international responsibility. She looked forward to serving in a developing diplomatic post and contributing to Russia’s relations with West Africa. Plans to lead the mission there were interrupted, with the Kremlin announcing in January of the next year that the Cape Verde tenure would not continue as scheduled. Shortly after, Poklonskaya was appointed vice president of Rossotrudnichestvo and relieved from the Cape Verde post, a transition that aligned with broader diplomatic adjustments in the country’s foreign service.
The sequence of positions underscores Poklonskaya’s long-standing involvement in public service, spanning legal work, legislative roles, diplomacy, and international cooperation. Her trajectory reflects a willingness to take on varied responsibilities and to adapt to evolving strategic priorities on the national stage.