Russian Deputy Natural Resources Minister Markov resigns from ministry

MOSCOW. May 18 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yevgeny Markov has resigned upon his own request, the ministry said.

The ministry said that Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has already signed the order to relieve Markov from his duties.

Markov became deputy head of the ministry in April 2025, responsible for forestry issues. Prior to joining the ministry, Markov served as a State Duma deputy representing the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia.

As reported, Deputy Natural Resources Minister Denis Butsayev, who oversaw the Circular Economy Department, the Digitalization Department, and the Russian Ecological Operator (PEK REO), was dismissed in late April. Butsayev was CEO at PPK REO prior to joining the Natural Resources Ministry.

In mid-May, Moscow's Tverskoi Court authorized Butsayev's arrest in absentia. Butsayev is accused of embezzling millions of rubles from PPK REO, according to Article 159, Part 4 of the Russian Criminal Code. If found guilty, the former deputy minister faces up to ten years in prison. Butsayev is on the wanted list.

The Natural Resources Minister has seven deputies.