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Vladimir Putin\u2019s ally was gunned down at his home in Crimea during a Ukrainian “special operation”, according to Kyiv’s security service.<\/p>\n
Oleg Tsaryov, 53, was in serious condition according to Vladimir Rogov – a Russian-backed official in occupied Zaporizhzhia. He said Tsaryov was shot, not stabbed as previously reported on social media.<\/p>\n
Rogov wrote on Telegram: \u201cOleg’s condition is very serious. He is currently in intensive care. There was no stabbing. Oleg was shot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tsaryov is a pro-Russian, Ukrainian-born politician and businessman who served in Ukraine\u2019s parliament. He was seen as one of Putin\u2019s top choices to run a puppet regime in Kyiv if Russia had successfully toppled its government at the start of the war.<\/p>\n
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Russian officials have not yet commented on the shooting, however, a Ukrainian intelligence official said the hit was carried out on orders by Ukraine\u2019s domestic security agency as part of a “special operation”, according to the New York Times.<\/p>\n
Targeting prominent Russian and pro-Russian figures has long been part of Ukraine\u2019s war strategy and has continued as fighting on the frontline has bogged down.<\/p>\n
Although the frontlines in Ukraine have remained largely static for months, fierce fighting continues along the front.<\/p>\n
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