"A strategically important and complex border area": new mayor of Pechenga urged to prioritise the military

The 40-year-old politician, formerly the head of the Northern Fleet town of Zaozersk, was inaugurated on March 11. His candidacy, backed by Murmansk regional Governor Andrei Chibis, was unanimously approved by the local municipal council.

After taking his oath of office, Penshin expressed gratitude to Governor Chibis and the council for their confidence in him. "This marks the beginning of a demanding yet deeply fulfilling mission—one that will serve the Pechenga District and the broader Murmansk region," he stated.

Penshin succeeds Andrei Kuznetsov, who faces up to 10 years in prison over allegations of failing to provide adequate heating to military families. Kuznetsov was arrested in early February on charges related to large-scale fraud.

The Pechenga district has grappled with severe heating issues this winter. Military families lodged numerous complaints after indoor temperatures in their homes plummeted. In Sputnik and Pechenga, two of the district’s military bases, many residences recorded indoor temperatures of just 10°C during December and January.

Following his inauguration, Penshin held talks with Governor Chibis, who stressed the importance of supporting military families. "These are the wives, children, and parents of those currently serving in the special military operation, defending our homeland. We must therefore treat the garrisons with the utmost care and responsibility," Chibis remarked.

The governor described the district as "strategically vital and complex."

"Pechenga is an important border area where the authorities need to act in a measured and responsible manner," he said.

Housing reconstruction and renovation will top the new mayor’s agenda. Penshin revealed that 110 apartment blocks are undergoing major refurbishment, while 196 flats designated for military personnel in Pechenga and Luostari are being renovated. Federal authorities are providing significant funding for these projects.

The Pechenga region, with a population of around 30,000, was originally known as Petsamo and belonged to Finland until it was captured by the advancing Red Army in October 1944.

Penshin, who has served as mayor of Zaozersk - a closed military town housing a submarine base - since early 2022, previously led the Murmansk regional election commission. A native of Dmitrov in the Moscow region, he studied public management and administration at the University of Petrozavodsk in Karelia before relocating to the Kola Peninsula in 2010.