A serious political crisis and personnel changes are unfolding in the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali region, directly linked to pressure exerted by the Kremlin on the de facto president, Alan Gagloev.

According to available information, Moscow has already demanded Gagloev’s resignation on three occasions since 2025, including directly from Vladimir Putin. It is also reported that one of the discussions regarding his resignation took place following Gagloev’s hospitalisation in Moscow due to health issues, during which he was advised that it was an appropriate time to step down; however, the de facto leader did not follow this advice. Moreover, upon returning to Tskhinvali, he declared a general “subbotnik” (in Russian: voluntary communal workday on Saturday) and personally took part in it. A further such demand allegedly arose during his visit to Moscow on 9 May this year, where, in exchange for his resignation, he was reportedly offered a seat in the State Duma of the Russian Federation or a senior position within the Presidential Administration of Russia in charge of South Ossetian affairs.

Upon his return from Moscow, Gagloev was visited in his office by influential local figures—Erislav Mamiev, Alan Alborov, and Yuri Kadii—who urged the de facto president to refuse Moscow’s request. Such calls are also coming from individuals with whom he is reportedly involved in corrupt schemes.

It is also noteworthy that less than a year remains until the end of Gagloev’s term, yet the Kremlin is accelerating the process. The reasons cited include Gagloev’s alleged involvement in corrupt schemes and cooperation with criminal groups. In particular, it is reported that the so-called authorities received hundreds of millions of roubles from VTB Bank, which were intended for the construction of factories; however, no such projects have been implemented.

As part of his visit to Russia on 9 May, Gagloev signed an allied agreement, which was described by local observers as an unexpected and rushed decision. It was also expected that he would proceed with the formation of government positions. It was at this point that the name of Marat Kambolov—considered a member of Vladimir Putin’s close circle—emerged as a prospective new Prime Minister.

The Kremlin reportedly expected information about Gagloev’s resignation to be announced immediately upon his return. After a week of waiting, he was summoned again to Moscow for a second meeting with Sergey Kiriyenko. Kiriyenko allegedly demanded the dismissal of the government and put forward Kambolov as Prime Minister. At the same time, Kambolov travelled to Java, to the presidential residence, where he was received by a queue of officials seeking to meet him. The following morning, Gagloev appointed him as State Adviser, after which Kambolov visited parliament and took the Speaker’s chair, where he was met by members of the faction. This was followed by a heated confrontation with de facto deputy Zita Besayeva, who protested against Kambolov’s alleged interference in the work of parliament.

Despite Moscow’s expectations, Gagloev has still not dismissed the government to date. Under the Kremlin’s strict demands, Gagloev is required in the near future to dissolve the cabinet, while a new government headed by Kambolov is to be approved by the so-called parliament no later than 20 June. In the event of non-compliance with this condition, Russian federal television channels are expected to begin public disclosures regarding alleged corrupt and criminal activities involving Gagloev and his entourage. At the same time, information circulating within the security structures suggests that early so-called presidential elections will be held in the region this autumn.