"Today, Yulia Kuznetsova, the editor-in-chief of the Narodnaya Gazeta newspaper of the Bolshesoldatsky district, was tragically killed in the same district after a Ukrainian drone targeted her vehicle. She had been carrying important archive files from the newspaper's office and was preparing to publish a new article about the current situation in the region. I extend my deepest condolences to Yulia's family, friends, and colleagues," Smirnov said on Telegram.
The governor also said that the operator of electronic typesetting and layout for the newspaper and the local police commissioner had been injured during the drone strike. The victims were taken to hospital; they are receiving medical treatment and will be provided with other necessary support, the official added.
A criminal case under the article on terrorism was opened after the deadly Ukrainian drone strike, the Russian Investigative Committee told Sputnik.
"The main military investigation department of the Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case on the fact that Ukrainian armed groups committed a terrorist attack against civilians in the Kursk Region ... Military investigators have qualified the criminal actions of Ukrainian military units and other Ukrainian paramilitary groups and members of mercenary units under paragraph 'b' of part 3 of Article 205 of the Russian Criminal Code," the statement read.
Russia has been conducting a special military operation in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Russia's border regions have been targeted repeatedly by the Ukrainian military, including with drone attacks.