Two Russian regional governors resign amid mobilization chaos

Vasily Golubev of Rostov Oblast and Vladimir Uiba of Komi Republic step down as Russia's military campaign falters

Two regional governors in Russia have resigned, amid growing public anger over the Kremlin's chaotic mobilization drive and military failures in Ukraine.

Vasily Golubev, the governor of Rostov Oblast, and Vladimir Uiba, the governor of Komi Republic, both announced their resignations on Tuesday.

Golubev, 68, had been governor of Rostov Oblast since 2010. Uiba, 58, had been governor of Komi Republic since 2020.

No official reason was given for either resignation, but both men had faced growing criticism in recent weeks over their handling of the mobilization drive.

In Rostov Oblast, there were reports of men being rounded up and sent to the front lines without proper training or equipment.

In Komi Republic, there were protests against the mobilization drive, and some local officials refused to implement it.

The resignations of Golubev and Uiba are a sign of growing discontent within the Russian elite over the Kremlin's handling of the war in Ukraine.

The mobilization drive has been widely unpopular in Russia, and has led to a sharp increase in the number of people fleeing the country.

The military campaign in Ukraine has also been a disaster for Russia, with its forces suffering heavy losses and failing to achieve their objectives.

The resignations of Golubev and Uiba are a sign that the Kremlin is facing increasing pressure to change course on the war in Ukraine.