Activist Claims Cover-Up in Russian Soldiers’ Graves Found in Murmansk

In a shocking discovery, at least 165 graves of Russian soldiers have been uncovered in Murmansk, contradicting the local authorities’ official count as revealed by opposition activist Violetta Grudina. The graves were found in a separate section of the municipal cemetery, with some still awaiting burials. The number of graves far exceeds the official reports provided by the authorities, raising questions about the accuracy of the information.

Grudina, a former coordinator for Alexei Navalny’s political network, highlighted discrepancies in the death toll communicated by Murmansk region Governor Andrei Chibis. Despite his confirmation of only 40 soldier deaths, Grudina’s investigation uncovered a much higher figure. Her findings, supported by photographs showing rows of graves adorned with Russian flags and military emblems, suggest a larger scale of casualties than previously acknowledged.

With an estimated 317 soldiers from Murmansk reported dead since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the overall military death toll in Russia has reached nearly 62,000. The lack of transparency surrounding troop losses raises concerns about the true magnitude of the human cost of the conflict.