According to Russian reports, a prominent Vladimir Putin supporter who was an MP was killed by Ukrainian shelling.
Maria Pirogova, 29, had served in the Donetsk People’s Republic’s (DPR) unrecognised separatist parliament since 2018.
She allegedly perished in a rocket attack in Donetsk on pro-Russian positions.
We confirm her death, a DPR People’s Militia spokesman said to TASS on Tuesday.
2014 saw the declaration of the Donetsk and Luhansk areas as autonomous “people’s republics” by pro-Russian rebels.
On February 21 of this year, Putin recognised both as independent entities, a decision that was denounced and viewed as unlawful by the international community.
He gave the order to invade Ukraine three days later, causing millions of people to be destroyed.
Pirogova, who is rumoured to have been working to bring aid to children, has received tributes from the Russian people.
She was the epitome of generosity, according to separatist leader Denis Pushilin who supports Moscow.
A genuinely decent individual. She always assisted those in need, never ignoring a stranger.
She had the talent and will to make a difference. She appeared to be rushing through life.
Pirogova, a graduate of a music academy, was married to volunteer and military correspondent Alexander Hereskulov, 30.
Putin recently lost a number of important allies in unexplained circumstances.
