Russian Railways President Yakunin Confirms Plans to Run Seat in Parliament

Vladimir Yakunin, president of state-owned Russian Railways company, confirmed on Monday plans to leave his post in a bid to run for a seat in upper chamber of the Russian parliament, the Federation Council.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier on Monday, Nikolay Tsukanov, the acting governor of the Kaliningrad region, put forward Yakunin's candidacy for the Federation Council from that region.

The Kaliningrad region election commission later confirmed that Yakunin provided his written consent for the candidacy.

"I am planning to leave the company, as required, following [Kaliningrad region governor] elections," Yakunin told RIA Novosti.

Yakunin has been heading the Russian Railways since June, 2005. He was reelected as company's president in 2014.

The election of the governor of the Kaliningrad region will be held on September 13.