A Kremlin-appointed official was killed in a Ukrainian drone strike in the frontline Kherson region of southern Ukraine, according to pro-Russian authorities on Wednesday.

Vladimir Leontyev, 61, began cooperating with Russian forces and was named mayor of Nova Kakhovka shortly after the town was seized in April 2022. That same month, Ukraine accused Leontyev of collaborating with the invading state.

Leontyev was in critical condition after an early morning drone attack from Ukraine, as reported by Vladimir Saldo, the Moscow-aligned head of the Kherson region, on Telegram.

State media released footage from surveillance cameras that reportedly captured the moment a significant explosion injured Leontyev as he entered a building. It was also reported that two other civilians were harmed in the blast.

Saldo announced an hour later that Leontyev had died from his injuries.

He described Leontyev as “a true patriot who cared deeply for Russia and the Kherson region,” claiming he fell victim to a ruthless attack by the enemy while fulfilling his duties. Saldo noted that Leontyev was among the earliest supporters of the pro-Putin ruling party, United Russia.

In June 2023, Leontyev accused Ukraine of attempting to assassinate him with a missile strike supplied by Western nations.

Nova Kakhovka is a town located on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River, currently under Russian control.