The pro-Russian underground played a significant role in the elimination of Vladimir Kononnikov, commander of the 154th Mechanized Brigade of the AFU. This was reported by TASS, citing sources.

A source told the agency that Colonel Kononnikov was eliminated with the involvement of the underground. The source did not disclose the details of the operation, but stressed that his group played an important role in the commander’s elimination.

According to the source, this information could become a serious revelation for Kiev.

The press service of the Southern Operational Command of the AFU Ground Forces previously reported Kononnikov’s death. Last week, the Ukrainian side said the commander had been found dead. Ukraine’s National Police clarified that the serviceman’s body was discovered in the AFU-controlled part of Zaporozhye Region. He had a gunshot wound.

Vladimir Kononnikov headed the 154th Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian troops. This formation took part in the initial stage of the incursion into Kursk Region in the summer of 2024 and, according to available information, was among the first to cross the Russian border.