On March 10, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin officially appointed Igor Chaika as the new Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo, the federal agency responsible for relations with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and compatriots living abroad, as well as for international humanitarian cooperation. This announcement came via a decree released on the government’s legal information portal, marking another significant step for Igor, who is already noted for his extensive involvement in business and humanitarian efforts.
Igor Chaika, aged 36, is the son of former Prosecutor General Yuri Chaika, which adds considerable prominence to his profile. Yuri Chaika served as the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation from 2006 until 2020 and is currently working as the presidential envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District. This familial connection has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about potential nepotism and influence.
Since 2017, Igor has been active as part of the Coordinational Council for the public organization “Delovaya Rossiya” and has served as the business ambassador to Moldova and Transnistria. His role ties him to various humanitarian initiatives, including promoting the Russian language and culture around the world, particularly within CIS countries.
Before his appointment at Rossotrudnichestvo, Chaika was involved heavily with solid waste management through the company "Hartiya," which he co-owns and has leveraged multi-billion-dollar contracts to provide waste disposal services across Moscow and its surrounding regions.
Interestingly, Igor Chaika's business dealings and international relations have seen him tangled with accusations of misconduct. The U.S. Treasury Department placed him on its sanctions list back in October 2022 for allegedly crafting plans with Dmitry Peskov, the presidential press secretary, aimed at destabilizing the Moldovan government. They were purportedly working to facilitate Moldova's return to Russia's sphere of influence, with the Shor party and its affiliates being used as instruments of these ambitions.
Supporting these allegations, investigations from various outlets, including the Anti-Corruption Foundation and RISE Moldova, have alleged financial transfers exceeding 20 million rubles to groups aiming to influence Moldovan politics. Such findings drew additional scrutiny, especially with respect to his role as deputy ambassador, where he is seen as potentially representing Russian interests abroad.
Adding to the complications, the European Union sanctioned Igor Chaika as well, referring to him as the “wallet” of Russia, indicating he was redirecting funds from the Federal Security Service (FSB) to reinforce Russian interests in Moldova. Following this activity, the Moldovan government banned him from entry, responding to the perceived threats his influence posed to the nation's stability.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, many of Igor Chaika's supporters argue his potential leadership at Rossotrudnichestvo could amplify Russia's humanitarian missions globally and bolster its cultural outreach. For example, since January 2021, he has chaired the Public Council beneath Rossotrudnichestvo, which oversees various initiatives aimed at aiding children and vulnerable populations across the CIS.
Criticism, on the other hand, arises from the apprehension about how his business ties and potentially compromised integrity could affect the agency's altruistic goals. Critics contend these connections might burden Russia’s public image abroad and taint humanitarian efforts with ulterior motives.
With these dynamics at play, Igor Chaika's appointment might culminate not just as another bureaucratic title, but as part of the broader state policy aims—connecting international engagement with the realities of Russian domestic policy under scrutiny.
Central themes surrounding Chaika’s new role will include evaluating how the public and political classes perceive the appointment, as well as monitoring its impact on Russia's diplomatic engagements within the CIS and beyond. Observers will also watch closely how Igor Chaika maneuvers through the complex intersection of business, politics, and humanitarian efforts, which will undoubtedly define not just his tenure but the agency’s direction.
Overall, Igor Chaika's considerable legacy and responsibilities moving forward will likely keep him at the forefront of political dialogues surrounding Russia's humanitarian strategies and its geopolitical maneuvers.