Volkov was born in 1951 in Krasnoye village, in the Shablykinsky district of the Oryol Region.

[4] Viktor Gozhy is the First vice-chairman of the Jewish Autonomous Oblast and next in the line of succession after Volkov.

[6] In 1997, Governor Volkov stated that he wanted, "our Jewish community to have a permanent rabbi and a synagogue.

"[7] Concerning the Jewish community of the oblast and the Birobidzhan Synagogue, Volkov has stated that he intends to, "support every valuable initiative maintained by our local Jewish organizations.

"[8][9] In 2004, Volkov received an award for the category 'Regional Leader' during the 'Man of the Year 5764' Ceremony organized by the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS.