Russian Colonel General Alexander Lapin has been appointed as the deputy prime minister of Tataristan. Lapin was a Russian military commander who has been dismissed from military service last year following setbacks in Ukraine.
Tatarstan leader Rustam Minnikhanov announced Lapin’s appointment on Monday during his annual address to the regional legislature. The newly created position will focus on policies supporting war veterans and their families.
“A fighter’s greatest support is a strong home front,” Minnikhanov said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that returning soldiers receive state assistance and support for their future.
Lapin previously worked as one of Minnikhanov’s advisers, where he was responsible for military recruitment and rehabilitation efforts. In his new role, he will oversee a regional program designed to help soldiers returning from the war transition back into civilian life.
The initiative will include assistance with employment, medical examinations and regular support meetings aimed at helping veterans and their families adjust after military service.
Lapin assumed the regional government position despite having contested this month’s State Duma elections as a candidate representing Russia’s ruling United Russia party.
Before leaving military service in 2025, Lapin commanded Russia’s Central Military District and held senior positions during the war in Ukraine. His military career was overshadowed by several battlefield setbacks.
Russian forces suffered major losses during Ukraine’s 2022 counteroffensive, while Ukrainian troops later launched a cross-border operation into Russia’s Kursk region in August 2024.
The setbacks prompted criticism from several prominent pro-war figures. Among those who publicly criticized Lapin were Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov and Yevgeny Prigozhin, the late founder of the Wagner mercenary organization.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe/follow the TTI YouTube Channel, Instagram, and Facebook
