Businessman Roman Abramovich will leave the post of chairman of the Chukotka Duma ahead of schedule, Vedomosti writes, citing three sources. According to the publication, the formal reason for leaving was the completion of the first gubernatorial term of Roman Kopin, who is considered Abramovich’s protégé.

According to a source in United Russia, the main reason for leaving is the requirement for deputies, including regional ones, to get rid of foreign assets. As Forbes notes , those around the businessman had previously said that it would not be easy for Abramovich to get rid of all foreign assets.

According to Vedomosti, Abramovich will be replaced as chairman of the Chukotka Duma by former vice-governor Aramais Dallakyan.

The day before, on July 1, it became known that after the expiration of her term in July 2013, Larisa Ponomareva, a longtime ally of Abramovich, would leave the post of senator from Chukotka. She was his assistant when the businessman was a State Duma deputy, and then headed the apparatus when Abramovich became the governor of Chukotka.

Roman Abramovich was elected to the Chukotka Duma in 2008 and was re-elected for this term in 2011. All this time he was the chairman of the regional parliament. In 2000-2008 he served as governor of Chukotka.

Abramovich ranks 13th in the ranking of the richest Russians according to Forbes magazine. His fortune is estimated at $10.2 billion. Through a Cypriot company, he owns a stake in Evraz Group, and also has gold mining assets also registered abroad. Among other things, he owns the Chelsea football club.

The media reported Abramovich's resignation from the Chukotka Duma