Orenburgs Mayor Steps Down to Rejoin Military Efforts in Ukraine

The mayor of Orenburg announced on Thursday his decision to resign in order to return to military service in Ukraine.

Sergei Salmin, who took office in March 2022, had previously taken a leave of absence in February after receiving approval from then-Governor of the Orenburg region, Denis Pasler, to volunteer for the military. This week, he officially tendered his resignation.

“My contract as a volunteer with the Russian Defense Ministry is nearing its end, and I have chosen to renew it. I cannot desert my commander, the unit I lead, or my fellow soldiers,” Salmin stated in a video shared on Telegram.

“I also realize that the city cannot be without a mayor for an extended period,” he explained to municipal deputies gathered for an emergency session to decide on his dismissal.

The municipal council of Orenburg approved his early resignation with a vote of 31 in favor, 3 against, and one abstention. He will be succeeded by Albert Yumadilov, the former first deputy head of Moscow’s Southeastern Administrative District.

During his time in office, Salmin faced considerable criticism, particularly regarding his handling of the severe floods that affected Orenburg in the spring of 2024. Acting regional governor Yevgeny Solntsev accused him of «abandoning» the city.

Salmin, known by his war name “Sambist,” is part of a drone unit that reportedly recruits individuals from Russia’s political elite. He frequently shares videos of himself in military uniform, armed with an automatic rifle, addressing the citizens of Orenburg from the front lines.