The Dynamite Deputy: The life and times of Grigory Rankov, a teacher who joined United Russia and now wards off political opponents with a Kalashnikov

In early August, an explosion thundered from beneath the steps of the Smolninskoye municipal hall in central St. Petersburg. This part of the city has been the subject of a protracted and bitter struggle for power between the head of the local council of deputies, Grigory Rankov (who failed to get re-elected two years ago, but managed to cling on to his post), and local oppositionists. Rankov's opponents on the council believe he's the mastermind behind the blast, and although law enforcement have not corroborated his involvement, Rankov has indeed exhibited some odd behavior in recent weeks. For example, posting a video of himself shooting a Kalashnikov rifle, accompanied by threatening comments. Meduza tracks Rankov's journey from IT teacher and ballroom dancer, to municipal councilman now known as "Detonator Greg." Original Article: https://meduza.io/en/feature/2021/08/30/the-dynamite-deputy