Until recently, 51-year-old ElisseĂŻev was deputy head of government of Russia’s Kaliningrad region. According to the Kaliningrad website, he has held undisclosed positions in the Secret Service. Alexi Kovalev, a former Ukrainian MP who moved to Moscow at the end of June, has been named his deputy for agricultural issues. Kovalev survived another assassination attempt at the end of June. “Russia will stay here forever,” he said.
Since the occupation of Kherson, Moscow has been pursuing a policy of Russification. It introduced the ruble, issued Russian passports, suppressed critical voices and controlled economic activities. At the end of June, the first Russian bank also opened its doors.
ALSO WATCH. Kherson residents during demonstration
