Aleksandr Viktorovich Uss (Russian: Александр Викторович Усс; born December 3, 1954) is a Russian politician who has served as a Senator from Krasnoyarsk Krai in the Federation Council since May 2023. Prior to this, he held the position of Governor of Krasnoyarsk Krai from 2017 to 2023.
Early Life and Education Aleksandr Uss was born in Novogorodka, located within Krasnoyarsk Krai, Soviet Union. He pursued higher education at Krasnoyarsk State University, graduating in 1976 with a degree in law. He furthered his academic career, earning a Ph.D. in legal sciences. Before entering full-time politics, Uss worked as an academic, serving as an assistant, senior lecturer, and eventually an associate professor at the Department of Criminal Law and Criminology at Krasnoyarsk State University.
Political Career
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Krasnoyarsk Legislative Assembly: Uss's political career began at the regional level in the Krasnoyarsk Krai legislative assembly. He was first elected as a deputy to the Krai's Legislative Assembly in 1993. His leadership qualities quickly became apparent, and he was elected Chairman of the Legislative Assembly, a position he held from 1997 to 2007.
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Governor of Krasnoyarsk Krai:
- Appointment: On September 27, 2017, President Vladimir Putin appointed Aleksandr Uss as the acting Governor of Krasnoyarsk Krai, succeeding Viktor Tolokonsky.
- Election: In September 2018, Uss successfully campaigned for the governorship and was elected with a significant majority. He officially assumed office as the Governor on September 21, 2018. During his tenure, Krasnoyarsk Krai, a vast and resource-rich federal subject, faced various economic and environmental challenges.
- Resignation: On April 20, 2023, Uss announced his resignation from the governorship. He stated that President Putin had offered him a new role. He was succeeded by Mikhail Kotyukov as the acting governor.
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Federation Council: Following his resignation as governor, Aleksandr Uss was appointed as a Senator representing the executive body of state power of Krasnoyarsk Krai in the Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian parliament, in May 2023.
Controversies and Sanctions
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Son's Arrest and Escape: In October 2022, Uss's son, Artem Uss, was arrested in Italy at the request of the United States. He was charged with violating international sanctions, smuggling oil from Venezuela, and illicitly transferring American military technology to Russia. The incident gained significant international attention when Artem Uss subsequently escaped house arrest in Italy in March 2023 and reappeared in Russia in April 2023. Artem Uss claimed the charges were politically motivated. Aleksandr Uss publicly defended his son, asserting his innocence and expressing pride in his return to Russia.
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International Sanctions: Due to his high-ranking political position within the Russian government and his association with the Russian political establishment, Aleksandr Uss has been subjected to personal sanctions by several international bodies and countries. These sanctions were imposed following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Notably, he was sanctioned by the United Kingdom in February 2023 and by Canada in the same month.
Personal Life Aleksandr Uss is married and has children. His son, Artem Uss, has been the subject of significant media attention due to his legal issues and subsequent escape from Italian custody.