Media: Former Russian mayor convicted of bribery killed in drone strike

Konstantin Polezhaev, 53, former Mayor and ex-Deputy Governor of Belgorod, Russia, was killed while fighting in the war in Ukraine, ASTRA reports, citing sources.

The report said Polezhaev had served with the Belgorod-based BARS unit and came under a drone attack.

He had reportedly served in the 1st Assault Battalion of the 272nd Motor Rifle Regiment.

The Fonar publication claimed he did not die in the Belgorod Region.

Polezhaev served as mayor of Belgorod from 2015 to 2019 before becoming deputy governor of the region, where he was also responsible for the reconstruction of Shebekino and Novaya Tavolzhanka.

He was dismissed in 2023 and was subsequently detained in a bribery case. In 2024, Polezhaev was sentenced to five years in prison.

He later signed a contract with the Russian Defence Ministry and, according to reports, was sent to the war in Ukraine.

The Telegram channel “Pepel” reported that the former official was listed in the BARS reserve and did not actually take part in combat operations.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov