The head of Novaya Kakhovka’s Council of Deputies, Vladimir Leontiev, has died in hospital following injuries sustained in an attack by Ukrainian forces, according to local governor Vladimir Saldo.
Saldo announced the death of 61-year-old Leontiev, who was struck by a Ukrainian drone known as “Baba Yaga” while attempting to seek shelter on Wednesday morning. The device reportedly exploded near him, causing severe spinal injuries and blast trauma. Two civilian women were also injured in the strike.
Leontiev, described by Saldo as a respected figure in Kherson Region, had led the administration of Novaya Kakhovka for years. The governor praised him as an “honest, principled man” and a “true patriot who loved Russia and Kherson,” noting his early support for the United Russia party.
Saldo stated that medical staff fought to save Leontiev’s life but were unsuccessful. The attack occurred amid a surge of Ukrainian drone strikes across Kherson Region, with officials reporting 68 attacks on 13 settlements in the past 24 hours. Russian media attributed the assault on Leontiev to broader Ukrainian efforts to target Russian territory, including residential areas and infrastructure.
Russia’s Defense Ministry also reported downing 20 Ukrainian drones over Belgorod, Rostov, Saratov, and Voronezh regions overnight. Moscow has repeatedly condemned Kiev’s drone campaigns as “terrorism,” citing civilian casualties and damage to critical facilities.
