A Russian driver from the Ukrainian-occupied Kherson region was killed in a car accident on Wednesday, Russian state media reported. Kirill Stremousov, 45, was sent there by the Russians to assist the governor in the offensive against Ukrainian forces.
Stremousov was appointed deputy governor of Kherson two months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He was one of the most important supporters of the Russian occupation. He was best known for his aggressive statements on social media and the videos he made about the situation at the front.
The governor of Kherson, Volodymyr Saldo, claims that Stremousov was assassinated. This is uncertain, according to Ukrainian officials, as the reports have not been independently verified. It is therefore unknown what caused the road accident. Stremousov was highly sought after by the Ukrainian police.
This week he called on Kherson residents to leave the city due to the expected attacks by the Ukrainian army. Ukrainian authorities speak of violent deportations.
On Wednesday, Russian troops began withdrawing from Kherson. This was ordered by the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Moscow thus avoids a bloody battle for the city, which is largely surrounded by Ukrainian troops.
