Military sources claim Russian general Andrei Sukhovetsky was killed in action by Ukranian defence forces, Fox News reports.
While his death has yet to be confirmed by Russia’s Ministry of Defence, the news was announced by his colleague, Sergey Chipilev, on social media.
Here’s what we know about the reports.
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Russian general reportedly dies in Ukraine-Russia conflict
Kremlin-backed Pravda initially reported the news of major-general Andrei Sukhovetsky’s death. According to the Russian publication, the top military official was killed in combat, although details are scarce at the time of writing.
Sukhovetsky’s death was confirmed by his colleague Sergey Chipilev, deputy of the Combat Brotherhood Russian veterans group, on social media.
“With great pain, we learned the tragic news of the death of our friend, Major General Andrey Sukhovetsky, on the territory of Ukraine during the special operation,” Chipilev wrote. “We express our deepest condolences to his family.”
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Who is Andrei Sukhovetsky?
Andrei Sukhovetsky graduated from the Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School in 1995, as per Pravda. He began his career as a platoon commander before moving to chief of staff of the Guards Airborne assault unit.
The Independent reports the 47-year-old is the highest-ranking military figure to have died in the conflict so far. He previously served in Syria.
Sukhovetsky served as commanding general of the Russian 7th Airborne Division and deputy commander of the 41st Combined Arms Army.
The latest in Ukraine-Russia conflict
More than 1.2 million people have fled the conflict following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began on Thursday, February 24th.
In the early hours of Friday (March 4th), the Russian military attacked the Zaporizhzhia plant, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, which caused a fire and led to concerns there would be a nuclear disaster.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to Russian citizens to protest at Russia’s military seizure of the plant.
Meanwhile, UK prime minister Boris Johnson said he spoke to Zelensky about the matter. He said:
“Russia must immediately cease its attack on the power station and allow unfettered access for emergency services to the plant.”