Alexei Smirnov

Alexei Borisovich Smirnov (; born 27 May 1973) is a Russian politician. He was the Governor of Kursk Oblast from 16 September 2024 to 5 December 2024.

Biography

In 1995, Alexei Smirnov graduated from the . In 2001, he also obtained a degree from the Oryol Regional Academy of Public Administration. From 1998 to 2004, Smirnov held various positions in the Housing and Utilities Committee of the Kursk Oblast. Initially, he worked as a consultant in the department of development of household and communal services and licensing. Later, he was appointed head of the economic department, deputy chairman of the committee, and first deputy chairman of the committee.

From 2010 to 2011, Smirnov worked at the non-profit partnership "Association of Construction Organizations of Small and Medium-sized Businesses" as director of the Kursk branch and advisor to the president. He left the position to become the deputy head of Sergiyev Posad's administration. From 2011 to 2012, he was also an advisor to the Minister of Housing and Communal Services of Moscow Oblast, and head of the department for standardization and reconstruction of objects of housing and communal purpose.

From 2022 to 2024, Smirnov also held the position of chairman of the government of Kursk Oblast. Smirnov resigned on 5 December amid criticism over his handling of the 2024 Kursk offensive.

Criminal prosecution On 16 April 2025, Smirnov was arrested as part of an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of public funds to build defensive fortifications along the border with Ukraine. He was convicted and sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment on 6 April 2026.