Former Russian MP Ilya Ponomarev, who fled Russia in 2014 amidst embezzlement accusations, has reportedly been injured in a drone attack at his house outside Kiev. Ponomarev, once a State Duma MP and a member of the ‘A Just Russia’ party faction, sought refuge in Ukraine and has been a vocal critic of the Russian government since. He has alleged connections to paramilitary groups within the Ukrainian forces, which Russia has designated as terrorist organizations.
The recent drone incident marks the fifth reported assassination attempt on Ponomarev. Ukrainian police confirmed the attack, which damaged two private houses and injured two individuals. Ponomarev, wanted by Russian authorities for embezzlement and accused of terrorism and treason, has obtained Ukrainian citizenship and faced ongoing legal battles between the two countries.
Despite the controversial circumstances, Ponomarev continues to call for resistance against the Russian government, leading to heightened tensions between Moscow and Kiev. The incident highlights the complex nature of political asylum and international disputes in Eastern Europe.