The Russian commander of an elite guards airborne division has died from “unspecified” causes, in a major setback for Putin’s army. Major General Alexander Kornev was head of the 7th Airborne Division, that specialises in mountain and jungle warfare.
It has been fighting in Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The division is accused by both Ukraine and international human rights groups of committing war crimes in the Kherson and Zaporizhia regions. Soldiers from the unit are alleged to have shot, kidnapped and tortured civilians during their tours of duty in the Ukrainian southern provinces.
The announcement of the Major General’s death appeared on July 20 on the official page of the Ryazan Airborne Forces School.
“Today the entire large family of the Airborne Forces is grieving,” a statement said. Today the heart of Major General Alexander Vladimirovich Kornev stopped beating. He was the commander of the 7th Airborne Division. Rest in heaven, comrade Guards Major General!”
The cause of his death remains unclear, with some accounts suggesting he died after suffering a heart attack. Further unsubstantiated reports allege he may have been poisoned, with the finger of suspicion pointed at Ukraine’s intelligence services.
Ukraine inflicted heavy losses on Russian troops trying to advance in Sumy province in the northeast of the country.
Putin’s army is engaged in fierce battles for the village of Kondratovka, where soldiers from the 30th and 40th brigades suffered serious casualties.
A Russian commander – Captain Florid Israfilov – was killed after his position was hit by a Baba Yaga drone in the heavy fighting.
“The biggest loss was the death of Captain Florid Israfilov, call sign ‘North’ at night,” a Russian military blogger said.
“He fought shoulder to shoulder with his men until the very end. Like a true commander. His life and the lives of several other fighters were taken yesterday by the arrival of Baba Yaga.”