Russia suffers main casualty as deputy governor killed by landmine in Kursk | EUROtoday

Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.

A deputy regional governor has turn into probably the most senior Russian authorities official to die combating in opposition to Ukraine.

Sergey Efremov, the deputy governor of the japanese Primorsky Krai area, died in Kursk, the place Russian forces have been making an attempt to beat again a Ukrainian invasion since final August.

Efremov was reportedly killed together with a navy officer on Friday when their car struck a landmine and blew up.

“I know that his friends and comrades will do everything to avenge him,” Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of Primorsky Krai, stated in an emotional video.

His deputy had died a “hero”, Mr Kozhemyako stated.

“He honoured and courageously fulfilled combat missions there, glorifying the marine infantry, glorifying the Tigers and Primorsky Krai,” the governor added, sharing a photograph of Efremov.

His demise on the battlefield is critical for Russia as senior authorities officers have usually prevented taking on fight roles in the course of the Ukraine struggle.

Efremov, 51, had graduated from Russia’s prestigious airborne officers school in Ryazan and was identified for establishing a volunteer unit referred to as the Tigers in June 2022.

Efremov went again to Primorsky Krai in 2023, however rejoined the Tigers after Ukrainian forces invaded the Russian border area of Kursk.

While Moscow is but to formally affirm Efremov’s demise on the battlefield, Denis Pushilin, head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, a separatist area in japanese Ukraine that’s managed by Russia, expressed condolences in regards to the loss on his Telegram channel.

“He has always shown keen interest in the topic of socio-economic development of the Donetsk People’s Republic and strengthening ties between our region and Primorye. His death is an irreparable loss,” Mr Pushilin wrote, including that he was personally acquainted with the deputy governor. Kyiv has not confirmed Efremov’s demise.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-deputy-governor-casualties-landmine-ukraine-war-b2691059.html