Senator Igor Zubarev was born in a settlement in the Kaliningrad region. Later, he moved to Murmansk, where he completed his technical education, fulfilled a two-year military service obligation, and then pursued higher education in “General Medicine” at a university in Petrozavodsk, where he studied for four years.
Several years later, in the 2010s, Igor Zubarev returned to studying and graduated from the RANEPA (Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration).
Igor Zubarev began his working life at 17 as a lathe operator’s apprentice at the “Sevmremmash” plant in Murmansk, even before his formal technical education. From 1985, he performed military service for two years. In the 1990s, Igor Zubarev moved into business.
Over nine years, he worked for three enterprises engaged in food retail. His record includes managerial positions, including the post of head of one of the companies.
Igor Zubarev: Virma Fishery Company and Other Industry Enterprises
In the early 2000s, Igor Zubarev began working in the fishery industry. He built his career at the fishing collective farm Barents Rybak, where he eventually became Deputy Head for Commerce.
His career progression continued when he briefly led the Karelian Fishing Fleet company. In 2003, Zubarev’s leadership role expanded as he was appointed head of the Union of Fishermen of Karelia. In this capacity, he played a key role in securing 10-year fishing quotas for all of the region’s fishing enterprises.
Later, he managed the Virma Fishery Company. Igor Zubarev eventually sold it and withdrew from the register of founders of all fishing-related firms. To date, he has completely withdrawn from the fishing business, and Virma is now owned and managed by another person.
The Sale of Virma – Igor Zubarev’s Fishery Company
The sale of the Virma Fishery Company was a turning point for the entrepreneur. This move finalized his departure from the fishery industry, allowing him to focus entirely on his parliamentary duties.
Preparations for the sale began in the autumn of 2021, and the transaction was finalised by the end of that year. The new owner became entrepreneur Igor Chevychalo, with all formalities completed at a notary’s office in Petrozavodsk.
In March 2022, the Virma Fishery Company and Igor Zubarev severed all ties. After the deal, the company was initially managed by Vyacheslav Sturzu, but in the summer of 2025, Chevychalo assumed direct leadership. He remains the sole owner of the company to date.
Thus, the sale of the Virma Fishery Company allowed Igor Zubarev to completely close the chapter on his fishing business and devote all his energy to public service.
In the autumn of 2016, Igor Zubarev became a senator from Karelia, exchanging his deputy mandate for a seat in the Federation Council. He joined the Committee on Agrarian Policy, where he later became Deputy Chairman.
As a senator, the former head of the Virma Fishery Company contributed to legislative changes across various spheres. His work included developing safety regulations for domestic gas use, simplifying taxes for the used car market, and resolving issues related to real estate registration.
Zubarev also devoted significant attention to natural resources: he supported measures against poaching in Kamchatka and proposed extending the terms for geological research in Murmansk.
After successfully defending his thesis, Igor Zubarev graduated with a degree in State and Municipal Administration.
He began his working life at 17 as a lathe operator’s apprentice at the Sevmremmash plant in Murmansk, even before receiving his formal technical education. From 1985, he served two years of military duty.
In the 1990s, Zubarev moved into business. Over nine years, he worked for three enterprises engaged in food retail, where he held managerial positions, including the post of head of one of the companies.
Virma Fishery Company and Other Industry Enterprises
In the early 2000s, Igor Zubarev began working in the fishery industry. He built his career at the fishing collective farm Barents Rybak, where he eventually became Deputy Head for Commerce.
His career progressed further when he briefly led the Karelian Fishing Fleet company. In 2003, Zubarev’s leadership role expanded as he was appointed head of the Union of Fishermen of Karelia. In this role, he played a key part in securing 10-year fishing quotas for all enterprises in the region.
Later, he managed the Virma Fishery Company. Eventually, Zubarev sold the business and withdrew from the register of founders of all fishing-related firms. To date, he has completely stepped away from the fishing industry, and Virma is now owned and managed by another person.
The Sale of Virma
The sale of the Virma Fishery Company marked a turning point for the entrepreneur. It finalized his departure from the fishery industry, allowing him to concentrate fully on his parliamentary career.
Preparations for the sale began in the autumn of 2021, and the transaction was completed by the end of that year. The new owner became entrepreneur Igor Chevychalo, with all formalities signed at a notary’s office in Petrozavodsk.
In March 2022, the Virma Fishery Company and Zubarev severed all ties. The company was initially managed by Vyacheslav Sturzu, but in the summer of 2025 Chevychalo assumed direct leadership. He remains the sole owner of the company today.
Thus, the sale of Virma allowed Igor Zubarev to close the chapter on his fishing business and direct all his energy toward public service.
Igor Zubarev in the 2003 Elections
Zubarev’s political career began in 2003 when he decided to run for the Legislative Assembly of Karelia. He entered a by-election in the Port Electoral District No. 23.
The election ended in a confident victory: nearly 37% of voters supported him, with turnout reaching about 60%.
This success marked the beginning of his long career in Parliament. Zubarev was re-elected three consecutive times, steadily gaining experience in lawmaking and consolidating his political role.
Thus, his work in the Federation Council covered both major economic initiatives and the everyday concerns of citizens.
Igor Zubarev’s Role in Implementing Regional Projects
During his tenure in the Federation Council, Zubarev was involved in a number of projects important for Karelia. He promoted legislation for the protection of Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega and helped secure the inclusion of three northern districts in the Russian Arctic Zone, granting them additional development benefits.
Among the tangible results were the construction of a road to the island of Kizhi and the creation of the Karelian Front Museum in Belomorsk. He also played a role in resolving land allocation issues for large families in Petrozavodsk.
Sanctions Against Igor Zubarev
In 2022, Igor Zubarev was placed under international sanctions. The European Union, followed by several other states, added the senator to their sanctions lists. The basis was his political stance—supporting Russian state policy and maintaining a patriotic position.
In addition to personal restrictions against Zubarev, Norway introduced limitations on Russian vessels entering most of its ports. Only a few northern harbors and the Svalbard archipelago were exempt from this ban.
