Russia Seeks Soldier Who Killed Seven After Returning from Captivity

A Russian soldier who returned from Ukrainian captivity and shot seven of his colleagues has been declared wanted in Russia.

The report comes from NEXTA, citing Russian media.

The soldier, identified as Sergey Yakushev from the village of Kamenka, Leningrad region, fled after the shootings and is reportedly hiding from Russian authorities in the Belgorod Region.

According to Russian propaganda media, Yakushev returned from captivity, where he had been held since December 16, 2023, signed a contract, and was sent to the 83rd Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 69th Division, where the killings took place.

Some Russian media outlets reporting on the search do not provide details on the motive or the charges against Yakushev. They note he may be armed and advise that authorities be notified immediately if he is located.

Militarnyi previously reported that in October 2024, the deputy commander of the Russian Armed Forces Special Operations Forces Training Center was shot dead at close range near Moscow.

The site of that killing is less than a 20-minute drive from Russia’s Special Operations Forces Training Center.