An MP who was a big supporter of Vladimir Putin has been killed in Ukrainian shelling, Russian reports claim.
Maria Pirogova, 29, had been a member of the unrecognised separatist parliament of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) since 2018.
She is said to have died in a rocket attack on pro-Russian positions in Donetsk.
A spokesman for the DPR People’s Militia told TASS on Tuesday: ‘We confirm her death.’
Pro-Russian separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions proclaimed the regions as independent ‘people’s republics’ in 2014.
Putin recognised both as sovereign states on 21 February this year – a move condemned and considered illegal by the international community.
Three days later, he ordered troops to invade Ukraine, sparking devastation for millions.
Russian tributes have been paid to Pirogova, who is said to have been working bringing aid to children.
Pro-Moscow separatist leader Denis Pushilin said: ‘She was the embodiment of kindness.
‘A really good person. She helped everyone, never passing by a stranger in trouble.
‘She had enough energy and talent to do good. It was as if she was in a hurry to live….’
Pirogova was a music academy graduate, who was married to Alexander Hereskulov, 30, a military correspondent and volunteer.
Her death comes after Putin lost a number of key allies in mysterious circumstances.
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