Two more Russian colonels have been killed in Russia’s war in Ukraine - including the country’s “best paratroop commander”.
Lt-Col Alexander Dosyagayev, 34, was a commander of an airborne assault battalion of the 104th paratrooper regiment.
Troops from his 104th air assault regiment were reportedly in Bucha, which was the scene of alleged rape and torture atrocities by Vladimir Putin ’s forces earlier in the war.
His battalion based in Pskov had been recognised as the best in Russia in checks on combat training and military discipline.
At the military festival ‘Army of Russia-2021’, he was judged the winner of the Winged Infantry category.
“I was filled with pride that my soldiers and officers showed the result they were striving for, “ he said.
“This did not help him at a meeting with Ukrainian warriors," said a statement from the Kyiv armed forces.
Russian media outlet Mediazona confirmed the death of another colonel killed earlier in the war which has not been announced.
Col Vladimir Ivanov, 41, has been labelled a “propagandist” by the Ukrainian media because he served in the Russian defence ministry’s department of Information and Mass Communication.
It is now established that he died in March.
A friend Yevgeny Poddubniy carried his portrait at a march of the “immortal Regiment” on 9 May commemorating Russians killed in action in multiple conflicts.
At the time it was not known he had died in Ukraine.
Dosyagayev and Ivanov are the 47th and 48th colonels known to have died fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine.
The toll of generals is now believed to be ten.
It is likely that the true toll is higher, as Russian officials have not revealed details of those killed in action in Ukraine.
The news comes amid speculation of Vlamidir Putin's health, with MI6 sources claiming that the Russian leader may already be dead.
A body double may have been used for recent appearances, as Kremlin cronies would be keen to cover up his death in an attempt to cling on to power.
There have been rumours that the warmonger's health has been deteriorating in recent months, with his face appearing bloated and observer's questioning whether the 69-year-old might have blood cancer.
Senior MI6 bosses say the Russian president has been seriously ill recently, but that his death would likely be covered up.
Russia's Ambassador in the UK has today (May 29) claimed that Vladimir Putin will only use tactical nuclear weapons if the “existence of the [Russian] state is endangered”.
Andrei Kelin used a rare BBC interview to claim “I don’t” think tactical nukes will be used in the conflict with Ukraine."
Asked directly if Putin would be willing to launch a nuclear attack on Britain, the Ambassador replied: “No, I don’t believe that.”
