Russian dissident turned soldier dies in Ukraine's Kharkiv region

Ildar Dadin, a well-known Russian opposition activist who in recent years joined Ukrainian forces, has died on the frontline, according to the independent portal "Novaya Gazeta.Europe," Dadin was killed by artillery shelling in the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine.

"Novaya Gazeta.Europe" reports that Ildar Dadin left Russia in 2022 after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The opposition activist settled in Warsaw, where he later decided to join the Ukrainian army.

During the fighting, Dadin used the military nickname "Gandhi." According to the portal's reports, he was actively involved in military operations until the tragic moment when he lost his life due to Russian artillery fire.

The 42-year-old's death was first reported by former Echo of Moscow radio journalist Ksenia Larina. She wrote on one of the social media platforms: "I just found out that Ildar Dadin has died. During the fighting in the Kharkiv region." The Freedom of Russia Legion confirmed the news to The Insider portal, in which Dadin served.

Ildar Dadin made history as the first person in the Russian Federation to be sentenced to prison for repeatedly violating assembly laws. In 2015, he was sentenced to three years in a penal colony, although the sentence was later reduced to 2.5 years. While serving his sentence, Dadin reported being tortured in a penal colony in Karelia, a claim that gained significant attention in Russian media. He was eventually released in 2017 by the decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation.

Dadin's death is another tragic instance of a figure opposing the regime in Moscow and choosing to fight against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as highlighted by media outlets connected to his opposition activities, including the independent portal "Novaya Gazeta.Europe."