Yasarbek Uzdenov, a deputy from the United Russia faction in the State Duma and a former Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of Karachay-Cherkessia, has passed away at the age of 56. The news came from Vladimir Vasiliev, the head of the United Russia faction in the lower house of parliament, who conveyed the sorrow of colleagues and described the loss as a hard day for the party and the nation.
Vasiliev shared that Uzdenov died after a severe and prolonged illness. The politician had faced health challenges for an extended period, and despite courageous efforts in treatment, the illness proved stronger. Uzdenov’s colleagues remember him as a person of sensitivity, determination, and willingness to help others, qualities that earned him respect across the regional and national political landscape.
Uzdenov’s career in public service spanned several roles dedicated to regional development and environmental stewardship. Early in his career, he served as a deputy in the People’s Assembly of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic from 2009 to 2013, where he became known for engagement with local communities and a practical approach to governance. His commitment to the region’s natural resources and ecological policy culminated in his appointment as the Minister of Natural Resources for Karachay-Cherkessia during 2020 and 2021. In this role, he focused on balancing economic development with environmental protection, aiming to safeguard the republic’s diverse landscapes while supporting sustainable industry and infrastructure projects for residents.
Uzdenov returned to the federal stage when he took a seat in the State Duma on September 19, 2021. He represented Karachay-Cherkessia in the single-member 16th electoral district, contributing to national debates on energy, natural resources, and regional development. Colleagues recall his steady presence in parliamentary committees, his readiness to listen to varied perspectives, and his willingness to roll up sleeves to address the concerns of people who often work at the front lines of rural and remote areas. His tenure in the federal parliament was marked by a focus on practical solutions, collaboration across party lines when possible, and a persistent commitment to improving living standards for residents of his home republic and other regions with similar challenges.
The death of Uzdenov comes as a moment of reflection for many who witnessed his public service over the years. The United Russia faction and supporters across Karachay-Cherkessia mourn a colleague who combined political responsibility with a personal sense of duty. He was viewed as someone who could be relied upon in difficult moments, who listened first and acted with determination after thoughtful consideration. His sudden absence leaves a gap in the regional leadership cadre, where his experience in environmental policy and regional administration offered a practical blueprint for balancing conservation with growth.
In related news, on April 23, another figure from the political landscape, Nikolai Bortsov, a deputy from United Russia in the State Duma and a recognized member of the business community, was reported to have died at the age of 77. Bortsov’s inclusion among the wealthier segments of the Russian business world had been noted in various profiles, yet he is remembered for his role in parliamentary work and his long-term service within the party. The passing of Bortsov, like Uzdenov’s, underscores the human side of public life and the personal loss felt by colleagues, staff, and supporters as they reflect on the contributions made by long-serving lawmakers.
As the political community processes these losses, the memory of Uzdenov is likely to be carried forward through his public records and the projects he championed. His work in Karachay-Ccherkessia, particularly in the areas of natural resources and ecological regulation, is expected to inform ongoing policy debates about sustainable development in similar regions. While the exact future directions of regional policy will be shaped by current leadership, Uzdenov’s approach—grounded in regional realities, a readiness to engage with citizens, and a focus on accountable governance—will be cited as a reference point for how to align ecological protection with economic opportunity for local communities. The legacy of his public service serves as a reminder that regional leaders can influence broader national policy through a blend of practical experience and steadfast commitment to the people they represent.