Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov[a] (born 28 June 1980) is a Russian politician, activist and former kickboxer who has served as Head of the Republic of Kalmykia since 2019.
[4] His wife, Elena Khasikova (maiden name Shchur), is a fashion designer[5] who graduated from the Ufa State University of Economics and Service [ru] with a degree in hotel management in 2009 and in 2013 from the Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health with a degree in athleticism.
[8] He continued postgraduate study in Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (Candidate of political science, 2012).
In February 2016, having considered the application of representatives of the Dissernet community, the Dissertation Council of Peoples' Friendship University of Russia cancelled Khasikov's PhD degree.
[11] In 2011, Khasikov defeated renowned kickboxers Albert Kraus and Mike Zambidis[12] in K-1 (W5 World Champion title was gained).
Today, the All-Russian Social Movement "For A Healthy country" organizes events in different cities on a regular basis.
On 20 November 2022, against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Khasikov was sanctioned by the United Kingdom, noting that "the region he controls is one of the poorest ethnic republics in Russia, from which a significant number of mobilized soldiers were called up for the war."
For similar reasons, he was added into the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List of the Office of Foreign Assets Control by the United States Department of the Treasury on 24 February 2023.
[33] The owner of "Golden belt" of Russian Union of martial arts in nomination "The Brightest Victory of Year" (the 7-th national award ceremony).