Mikhail Babich to become the next Russian Ambassador to Ukraine
The President of Russia can appoint a new ambassador to Ukraine only after Senate approval.
The Presidential Envoy of the Volga Federal District, Mikhail Babich, is likely to become a new Russian Ambassador to Ukraine. His candidacy was supported by the Federation Council, RIA Novosti reported. According to Russian legislation, the President should consult with the members of the Federation Council and State Duma Deputies before appointing a new ambassador.
After already having gone on leave, the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs held an emergency meeting in order to approve Mikhail Babich. Mikhail Babich has a background in security forces. He served in the Airborne Troops and Committee for State Security, led the Antaeus corporation, and was the Assistant Head of FSB Border Service. Babich was the Prime Minister of the Chechen Republic Government from November 2002 to February 2003.
On July 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin made several personnel changes, replacing or dismissing leadership in several sectors. The Ambassador to Ukraine, Mikhail Zurabov, has held the post snce 2009.
The Kremlin, explaining the reason for the personnel change, stated that Zurabov had repeatedly asked about his resignation. More than six years is considered a long term of office for an ambassador.