Russian war journalist found dead after exposing corruption in Mariupol

In a tragic turn of events, Russian war journalist Alexander Rybin, 39, was discovered dead near Shakhty, Russia, after promising to reveal shocking details of ‘gigantic corruption’ in Mariupol, a Ukrainian city invaded by Vladimir Putin. The incident adds to a series of mysterious media-linked deaths during Putin’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Rybin, who had initially supported Putin’s annexation of the Donbas region, visited Mariupol, delivering a critical on-air report highlighting the slow pace of reconstruction in the war-torn city. Despite praising an influx of immigrants and significant funds from Russia for the reconstruction, he strongly condemned the pervasive corruption. Rybin intended to disclose further information in a live broadcast on Rabkor, a left-wing online outlet. Regrettably, Rybin never made it back to Moscow. His lifeless body was found on a highway near Shakhty, just 130 miles from Mariupol. Once a vibrant city of over 400,000 people, Mariupol had been devastated by Russia’s forces during Putin’s 2022 invasion, resulting in numerous casualties and leaving the city in ruins. Despite the official cause of death being listed as ‘cardiomyopathy’ following an autopsy, Rybin’s bank cards and valuables remained untouched. Having previously fought in the invaded Luhansk for pro-Putin forces, Rybin became disillusioned with the ‘Russian Spring’ and later reported for various Russian media outlets worldwide. In his last report from Mariupol on December 30, Rybin expressed concern over the city’s ongoing challenges, emphasizing the significant corruption and hardships faced by its residents. Ukrainian media outlet Obozrevatel cited Rybin’s remarks, indicating his observations on the post-shelling atmosphere and his suggestion of corruption in the construction sector. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for Rostov Region mentioned that no signs of criminal death were initially found on Rybin’s body. However, an official cause of death awaits a forensic evaluation. Rybin’s demise is part of a disturbing trend of mysterious deaths among Russian media figures. Zoya Konovalova, chief editor of Russian state TV company Kuban, and Ilya Kyva, a former party leader in the Kyiv parliament, are among those who have recently lost their lives under suspicious circumstances. These incidents coincide with a broader crackdown on dissenting voices by the Kremlin.