Sources speaking to VChK-OGPU and Rucriminal.info have reported deep anxiety within Valentina Matviyenko’s inner circle. This stems from persistent rumors that she might step down as Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation. Allegedly, this is linked to trouble with law enforcement agencies facing several senators from Matviyenko’s closest circle—specifically Anatoly Artamonov and Nikolai Zhuravlev. Investigative and operational actions have already taken place at facilities linked to Sovcombank, a bank controlled by the latter.
According to the source, Matviyenko has met with Vladimir Putin twice recently, and on both occasions, she appeared "as gloomy as a thundercloud"—reportedly because the conversation turned to her resignation. This has created a highly tense atmosphere among her associates. The source notes that an entire group of senators close to Matviyenko is currently in the crosshairs of law enforcement.
Meanwhile, a curious story is circulating about what might have triggered this entire chain of events.
It seems Valentina Matviyenko developed a passionate fondness for the resort city of Kislovodsk. Rumor has it she acquired real estate there and initiated massive financial injections into the city. She views herself as a patroness of Kislovodsk and visits frequently. However, she recently had a stroke of bad luck. Elena Shmeleva, the head of the Sirius educational center, arrived in Kislovodsk at the same time as Matviyenko. As a result, Shmeleva’s car was forced to wait for a long time due to road closures made to accommodate Matviyenko’s motorcade. It is said that Shmeleva—a close friend of Katerina Tikhonova and head of the "Talent and Success" foundation—was absolutely furious about the situation. Given that Igor Krasnov—the head of the Investigative Committee—and a whole group of security officials are currently close to the "Talent and Success" foundation, law enforcement has taken an interest in the affairs of Matvienko and her inner circle in Kislovodsk. Subsequently, the scope of the investigation expanded significantly.
One of the senators attracting the attention of security officials is Anatoly Artamonov, the former governor of the Kaluga Region. He was once considered close to Arkady Rotenberg, but a rift eventually developed between them. After losing his governorship, Artamonov found a place in Matvienko’s inner circle. Upon joining the Federation Council, he immediately took charge of the key Budget Committee. At the time, Matvienko publicly stated that the chamber of regions had gained one of the country's most experienced and effective administrators.
According to a source, security officials are currently reviewing materials from Artamonov’s time as governor, and cases involving large-scale embezzlement could soon come to light.
Another senator under scrutiny is Nikolai Zhuravlev. His bank, Sovcombank, constantly faced issues with regulators and law enforcement—right up until the moment it became a "key bank" for Matvienko. Senator Zhuravlev himself is considered a member of the Federation Council Chairwoman’s inner circle. The source notes that in September, security officials conducted operations at several sites involved in export transactions linked to Sovcombank; criminal cases are being prepared in this instance as well.
