A Russian minister who allegedly criticised Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine has mysteriously died after falling fatally ill on a flight to Moscow.
Petr Kucherenko, 46, became the latest member of Moscow’s elite to die in far from normal circumstances as he returned to the Russian capital from Cuba on May 20.
The Kremlin’s deputy science minister received CPR after the plane made an emergency landing.
However, Kucherenko was pronounced dead after doctors rushed to provide medical assistance.
Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022Reuters Heart problems have been blamed for the 46-year-old’s death.
An autopsy has also been scheduled for Wednesday.
Kucherenko was labelled as a critic of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine by independent journalist Roman Super.
Super claimed that Kucherenko branded the onslaught as a “fascist invasion”.
Petr Kucherenko reportedly criticised Vladimir Putin's invasion of UkraineRussian Science MinistryWriting on Telegram, he also alleged that Kucherenko told him to "leave as soon as possible" to save himself and his family.
Kucherenko reportedly said: " In a year you won't recognise Russia at all.
“You are leaving and doing the right thing."
However, Kucherenko’s death comes after a string of other members of the Russian elite mysteriously passed away during the ongoing invasion of the ex-Soviet state.
Other members of Russia's elite have also mysteriously died in recent months
Reuters
Nikolay Bortsov was found dead at his home last month.
He was discovered dead in the Lipetsk region of Russia with no cause given.
The 77-year-old was sanctioned by the UK due to his support for the war in Ukraine but a leak from 2019 suggested the multi-millionaire was granted “indefinite leave to remain”.
Igor Shkurko, 49, who served as deputy general director of Yakutskenergo, was also found dead in a detention centre after he was accused of bribery.