In a significant turn of events, the infamous Russian militant Alexander Mozhayev, better known by his ominous call sign "Babai" or "boogeyman," met his end during a heated skirmish in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region.
The report emerged on Thursday from various sources, including The Moscow Times, which drew its information from both Ukrainian Army Colonel Anatoly Stefan and several Russian military bloggers.
A Shadowy Past
Affiliated with the Cossack militant faction named Volchya Sotnya, or "Wolf Hundred," Mozhayev's name rings familiar for his participation in Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Furthermore, he collaborated with Igor Girkin, the detained ex-Russian military commander, in the temporary seizure of the Donbas city of Slovyansk within the same timeframe.
Amidst these chaotic times, Ukraine alleged Mozhayev's association with the Russian intelligence unit, suggesting a deeper bond between Moscow and the pro-Russian rebels in Donbas.
However, Mozhayev rebutted these claims in a 2014 Time magazine piece, framing himself as "a mild-mannered fighter." The article also hinted at his tribulations with Russian law enforcement, shedding light on accusations of "attempted murder with a knife."
The Battlefront: Ukraine Pushes Forward
On the ground, Ukrainian forces reported advancements in the Russian-occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia. Confirming this momentum, a message from Ukrainian Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi stated that near Verbove village, their counteroffensive tasted "partial success."
Tarnavskyi also painted a grim picture of "Russian terrorists" using civilians as pawns and barricading themselves within residential structures in Tokmak, another Russian stronghold.
In a revealing update, Melitopol's Exiled Mayor Ivan Fedorov indicated the anxious evacuation of Russian officers' families from Tokmak. As he conveyed, while the invaders outwardly exude calm, their actions resonate with panic.
With Mozhayev's fall and the evident unease within Russian ranks, the tide seems to be shifting in this protracted conflict. The world now watches with bated breath, awaiting the next development in this intricate geopolitical dance.
