The Terek Cossack Military is undergoing profound changes as its leaders are systematically replaced with new figures, backed by the government. The change is especially visible in the largest part of the Terek Cossack force, the Stavropol region Cossack district. The previous ataman (chieftain) of the Stavropol branch, Alexander Falko, stepped down and was replaced with Alexander Zhuravsky. The governor of Stavropol region, Vladimir Vladimirov, apparently gave his consent to Zhuravsky’s candidacy. However, some Cossacks appeared to be disappointed with Zhuravsky’s candidacy since he would have to step down in 2016, when he turns 60, according to government regulations (Kazak26.ru, …read more
Source: The Jamestown Foundation