Billionaire Roman Abramovitch was elected Governor of the arctic autonomous Okrug of Chukota in 2000. Since then, he has invested heavily in the sparsely populated region, and created more opportunities for many residents.It was announced that Abramovitch had stepped down as governor of Chukotka yesterday. No reason was given.

It was not clear whether he left the job voluntarily or was eased out by the new Kremlin leader.

Interfax news agency said that President Medvedev had appointed Chukotka’s deputy governor, Roman Kopin, as acting governor.

It quoted Mr Abramovich’s spokesman as saying: “When Roman Arkadyevich [Abramovich] came to this region, it was in crisis. Over the past seven years, his administration has managed to dramatically raise living standards and build and restore all social infrastructure facilities, including schools, hospitals and housing. Investors have been drawn to the region and a long-term development strategy for the autonomous district has been worked out.”(Times Online)

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Whale meat is a dietary staple for many in Chukotka.  They’re angry that the IWC will only let them hunt by traditional methods because some could risk starvation as a result. An infomative 26 minute documentary.

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A 7 minute video taken from an old Soviet military truck in the Chukota wilderness. Scenes include mountains, reindeer herds, and indigenous people.

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With it’s proximity to Alaska, Chkotka makes the Russia Federation one of the USA’s closest neighbors.

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