Ukraine Takes Responsibility for Pro-Russian Politician's Death in Moscow, & local Politician's in Luhansk
Brace yourself for an intriguing journey into the world of political assassinations, a far cry from Ukraine's borders. recently, Ukraine has confessed to the killing of pro-Russian politician Ilya Kyva in Moscow. Yet, another high-ranking Russian political figure, Oleg Popov, met his demise in Luhansk, a city under Russian control. Let's unravel the details.
Uncovering the Truth
The pro-Russian figure, Ilya Kyva, was found dead with a severe head injury in a Moscow suburb. Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman, Andriy Yusov, accused the SBU (Ukrainian Security Service) of orchestrating Kyva's assassination. Yusov fiercely criticized Kyva as "one of the greatest traitors and collaborators" and justified his death as "just," threatening similar consequences for other Ukrainian turncoats.
But who was Ilya Kyva? Before his defection to Russia, Kyva served as a member of the Ukrainian parliament. However, his parliamentary seat was forfeited following his betrayal. The cherry on top was his fatal shooting in the Moscow suburbs.
Rumors of similar attacks on pro-Russian politicians reached Ukraine a month prior when another Luhansk regional parliament member lost his life in an explosion that targeted his car. Ukraine opted to remain silent on the Popov attack at first, but Kyva's killing prompted an admission of responsibility.
Operating under Russian Occupation
The Luhansk region has been under Russian control since the conflict between Ukraine and Russia commenced. With nearly 400,000 residents, the city of Luhansk has served as the conflict's epicenter. Ukrainian forces have strived to liberate the territory from the Russian occupiers, with their front line positioned approximately 100 kilometers from Luhansk.
Another Tragedy in Luhansk
While Ukraine acknowledged their involvement in Kyva's death, they kept quiet regarding Popov's demise. Popov, a supporter of Moscow and a member of the Luhansk regional parliament, succumbed to an explosion that rocked his car in Luhansk.
Although the Russian Investigative Committee initiated an investigation into Popov's death, Ukraine has yet to voice their opinion on this incident. In contrast, Yury Yorov, a de facto parliament member in Luhansk, speculated in September 2023 that Popov's attempted assassination was orchestrated by the SBU, but verification remains elusive.
The Pattern of Attacks
This is not the first time that pro-Russian politicians have encountered danger. High-ranking Kremlin-appointed officials have faced attacks in occupied territories of Ukraine and Russia itself since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Initially, Ukraine observed neutrality towards these incidents; however, recent developments hint at a change in position.
Ukraine's warnings and threats against collaborators and traitors have led to a series of high-profile assassinations in Russia as well as Ukraine-held territories. As the verbal confrontation between Ukraine and Russia intensifies, it remains unclear whether this pattern of attacks against pro-Russian politicians will persist.
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Ukrainian and Russian leadership have exchanged accusations and counter-accusations, with each side pointing fingers at the other following the tragedies.
- Ilya Kyva's Assassination:
- Investigation: Russian authorities confirmed Kyva's death and opened an investigation, claiming an unknown individual shot him, resulting in his immediate demise.
- Ukraine's take: Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for Ukraine's military intelligence, claimed that Kyva was killed as a form of justice for his actions, threatening more of the same against other Ukrainian turncoats.
- Oleg Popov's Death:
- Investigation: The Russian Investigative Committee initiated an inquiry into Popov’s death, but Ukraine has not offered any comment on the incident.
- Speculations and Accusations: Yury Yorov, a de facto parliament member in Luhansk, suggested that an attempt on Popov’s life was organized by the SBU, but there is no concrete evidence supporting this claim.
In addition, several high-profile political figures in occupied territories and Russia have experienced assaults in recent times. Russia has accused Ukrainian special services of orchestrating these assassinations, while Kyiv seldom acknowledges its role in these attacks. Nevertheless, the investigations into the deaths of Kyva and Popov are ongoing, with both sides presenting different narratives about the circumstances surrounding their demises.
