Russian Deputy Minister Flees to US in First Known Case

The reported escape comes amid a widening corruption probe involving officials linked to Russia’s environmental sector. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Russian Deputy Minister Denis Butsaev.(Photo by Wikipedia) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google A recently dismissed Russian deputy minister has fled the country and is believed to have reached the United States, marking the first known case of an official of this rank escaping Russia, according to multiple reports on Thursday, April 30. Russian outlet Vedomosti, citing sources close to the investigation and government, reported that former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Denis Butsaev left Russia shortly after his dismissal order on April 22, traveling via Belarus. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Separately, Faridaily reported that Butsaev had departed earlier, on April 18, while still formally in office, and later traveled through Georgia before ultimately reaching the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter. The reports suggest Butsaev may have fled amid a widening corruption investigation involving senior figures at the Russian Environmental Operator, a state-linked entity he previously led. Several executives linked to the organization are reportedly under investigation for fraud, with sources indicating Butsaev is mentioned in case materials. Kyiv Post is unable to verify this information independently. Butsaev has not publicly commented, and Russian authorities have not officially confirmed his whereabouts. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.