Uncovering the Shadows: The Mystery of Fatal Falls Among Russian Elites Since the Ukraine Invasion

Since the onset of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, there has been a marked increase in the mysterious or violent deaths of Russian officials, business leaders, and public figures. Numerous reports suggest that many have fallen from windows or balconies.

While some fatalities were classified as accidents or suicides by authorities, the unusual frequency and circumstances surrounding these incidents have led to speculation that some individuals may have been pushed due to their political beliefs, connections to corruption, or knowledge that posed a threat to others.

The Moscow Times has compiled an ongoing list of significant cases over the last three years.

One individual was discovered dead outside his office in what appeared to be a suicide. A note allegedly found in his office expressed remorse to his spouse, provided guidance on their financial matters, and requested that no one be held accountable for his demise.

Another person reportedly fell from a tenth-floor window during a police raid at his apartment while they investigated his alleged involvement in a «terrorist organization» connected to fundraising for the Ukrainian military. He had been vocal in criticizing the war on social media.

One individual died in the hospital after tumbling from the window of his Moscow apartment. Pro-Kremlin media claimed he had a lung illness and was taking strong medication for pain relief.

Another case involved a man who supposedly fell from a window at his upscale home in Rublyovka, with police suggesting it was likely a suicide. Reports indicated he sent a farewell message to his wife before his passing, and his body was found by a security guard.

In another incident, a woman reportedly leaped from a window after falling victim to phone scammers masquerading as court officials, convincing her to transfer 2 million rubles (approximately $25,600) before she realized she had been duped. A suicide note was allegedly left at the site of her death.

Another person was found deceased in the courtyard of his apartment building in Moscow after an apparent fall, reportedly leaving a suicide note that blamed his doctors and bid farewell to his wife, despite family members asserting he had shown no signs of suicidal thoughts earlier that day. He had been battling severe health issues, including cancer.

One man fell from the fifth-floor balcony of his apartment in St. Petersburg in what authorities deemed an accident, claiming he lost his balance while smoking on a narrow ledge. Skhlyarov, a critic of the Ukraine invasion, struggled with a spinal injury, was taking strong painkillers in preparation for surgery, and dealt with addiction and personal challenges.

Another man fell from the seventh-floor window of an Investigative Committee office during an interrogation linked to a corruption case. Security footage reportedly captured him sitting on the windowsill before his fall.

Yet another person plunged from the 16th-floor window of her apartment in St. Petersburg. Just one week prior to her death, pro-war bloggers had criticized recently classified military uniform prices, which were later disclosed by the tailoring service awarded the contract.

One individual allegedly fell from scaffolding at his dacha located 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Yekaterinburg while repairs were underway.

A man reportedly fell from his 12th-floor window after initially leaving for work at 4:15 a.m., only to return shortly after. His wife found him after calling his phone while walking their dogs at 6 a.m. and hearing it ring in the courtyard.

One woman fell from the 11th-floor window of a rental apartment following a party. Reports suggested that videos surfaced showing her arguing with her boyfriend in an elevator and another video, filmed by the boyfriend, depicting her precariously balancing on the balcony before falling.

In another case, a man fell from his third-story window due to what colleagues from the ruling United Russia party classified as an accident. It was reported that he stepped outside for fresh air after feeling unwell and plunged to his death after losing consciousness.

Another person was discovered deceased on the sidewalk outside his Washington, D.C. apartment building after police responded to reports of a jumper. Authorities described the incident as a suspected suicide.

A man plunged from the sixth floor of the Central Clinical Hospital, where he was believed to be undergoing treatment for a serious cardiovascular condition. Some reports indicated he was also facing depression.

In Nizhny Novgorod, one individual fell from his balcony while police were reportedly conducting a search of his apartment related to an unconfirmed criminal investigation. Local media indicated that he opened the door to the police, signed a search warrant, let officers inside, proceeded to his balcony, and then fell.

Lastly, a man was found dead, lying in a pool of blood outside his hotel in Odisha, India, just two days after his travel companion, Vladimir Bidenov, passed away from what appeared to be a heart attack. Indian authorities stated that Antov may have fallen from the roof, while local officials denied any foul play but were «verifying all possible angles.»