President Vladimir Putin appointed Lieutenant Colonel Artyom Zhoga to Russia’s National Security Council. Zhoga, a former military officer from the Russian-occupied Donetsk region, gained attention after urging Putin to seek re-election in 2025. Recently, he was made the Kremlin’s envoy to the Urals Federal District, a strategic region for Russia’s military-industrial sector. Zhoga is now one of 21 non-permanent members of the Security Council, overseeing national security and strategic policy.
The Security Council, chaired by Putin, includes key leaders from security agencies and legislative officials. Zhoga’s appointment signifies a major policy shift and highlights the influence of the council in mediating disputes. He is the most prominent figure to emerge from the “Time of Heroes” program, which aims to elevate Ukraine war veterans as Russia’s new elite.