By decree of President Vladimir Putin, Fedor Shchukin has been officially appointed as the Acting Head of the Republic of Dagestan. This administrative decision marks a significant transition in the regional leadership, aimed at maintaining political stability and continuity of governance. The appointment comes at a crucial time for the region, as the federal government seeks to strengthen administrative oversight in the North Caucasus.

The leadership change follows the voluntary resignation of the former head of the republic, Sergey Melikov. During a recent meeting with representatives from Dagestan, the Russian President announced that Melikov would step down at his own request. The departure of the previous administration necessitates a swift transition period to ensure that ongoing socio-economic programs and infrastructure projects remain on track without interruption.

Fedor Shchukin, who now takes the helm of the republic, possesses an extensive background in the judicial system. Born in 1976 in the Nizhny Novgorod region, he has built a distinguished career in law and administration. Having served as the deputy chairman of the regional court in Nizhny Novgorod since 2020, Shchukin moved to a more prominent role in 2024 as the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Dagestan, gaining vital insights into the local governance structure.

His transition from the judiciary to an executive leadership role is seen as a move to reinforce the rule of law and institutional integrity within the republic. As the acting head, Shchukin will be responsible for overseeing the region's complex administrative apparatus, addressing social concerns, and facilitating a smooth organizational process until a permanent leader is formally elected or appointed according to the established legal procedures.