A tragic incident occurred in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as Colonel Aleksandr Nikityuk, a former aide and close associate of Ukraine’s ex-top general Valery Zaluzhny, was killed during a Russian strike in the Donbass region. The fatal attack took place in the city of Dobropolye, under Ukrainian control. Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s current ambassador in London, confirmed Nikityuk’s death caused by an enemy missile.
Reports suggest that Nikityuk was staying at a hotel housing Ukraine’s 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade when it was hit by an S-300 missile. Nikityuk, who transitioned from a career in law enforcement to serving as Zaluzhny’s military police liaison, was a prominent figure in Ukraine’s military efforts.
Despite Zaluzhny’s commendable defense of Kiev and heightened international profile, his relationship with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky reportedly deteriorated post the 2023 counteroffensive. Zelensky’s subsequent dismissal of Zaluzhny as army commander in February led to Zaluzhny’s appointment as Ukraine’s new envoy to Britain.
