Rakhim Azimov

Rakhim Azizboyevich Azimov (; born 16 August 1964, Shurab, Sughd Region) is a Russian political figure, deputy of the 7th and 8th State Duma convocations.

In 1986 Azimov graduated from the G. V. Plekhanov Leningrad State Mining Institute and Technical University. Later he continued his education at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (2002) and St. Petersburg University of the Russian Interior Ministry (2011). In 2004 he was awarded a Doctor of Technical Sciences degree.

Sanctions On February 23, 2022, he was added to the European Union’s sanctions list for actions and policies that undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine and further destabilize the country.

On February 24, 2022, he was included in Canada’s list of “close associates of the regime” for voting in favor of recognizing the independence of the so-called republics in Donetsk and Luhansk.

On March 24, 2022, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he was added to the U.S. sanctions list for “being complicit in Putin’s war” and “supporting the Kremlin’s efforts to invade Ukraine.” The U.S. Department of State stated that State Duma deputies use their powers to persecute dissent and political opponents, suppress freedom of information, and restrict human rights and fundamental freedoms of Russian citizens.

Subsequently, on similar grounds, he was also included in the sanctions lists of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, Ukraine, and New Zealand.

Awards Medal of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" (2020) Medal "For Distinction in the Protection of Public Order"