Russian official behind Mariupol strikes killed, American filmmaker injured in Kyiv: May 29 highlights
In Russia’s Stavropol, an explosion killed Zaur Gurtsiev, who orchestrated airstrikes on Mariupol. In Kyiv, American filmmaker Christopher Walters was injured in a balcony collapse. Here’s a roundup of the top news for May 29.
Explosion kills organizer of strikes on Mariupol
Zaur Gurtsiev, deputy mayor of Stavropol and a Russian military major who coordinated airstrikes on Mariupol, including the 2022 Drama Theater bombing that killed hundreds, died in a grenade explosion in Stavropol overnight on May 28.
Stavropol Krai Governor Vladimir Vladimirov confirmed the attack, which also killed one other person, and said investigators are exploring all possibilities, including a terrorist act by “Ukrainian Nazis.”
Balcony collapse with an American director
Christopher Walters, a U.S. citizen in Ukraine to document the war, was injured when a balcony collapsed in Kyiv’s Podilskyi district.
Walters, a filmmaker, suffered minor injuries and called for an investigation to determine the cause and prevent future incidents.
Viktoria Roshchyna honored posthumously
Journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, killed in Russian captivity, received the “Dedication to the Profession Under the Toughest Conditions” award at the 2025 Honor of the Profession journalism contest.
"Viktoria, despite the risks of mortal danger, covered war crimes and violations of humanitarian law in the occupied territories," the organizers of the competition said.
Investigation into former commander of 211th Brigade completed
Law enforcement concluded a pretrial investigation into Oleh Poberezhniuk, former commander of the 211th Pontoon-Bridge Brigade of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Support Forces.
The probe found Poberezhniuk failed to address known instances of torture by a subordinate platoon commander against soldiers. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Children danced to Russian rapper at a Lviv school
A video spread online showing students at Lviv’s School No. 93 dancing to songs by Russian rapper Morgenshtern.
Andriy Zakaliuk, head of the Lviv City Council’s Education Department, called the incident “truly upsetting” and said authorities, including police, are investigating the circumstances.
Other news
- Russia criticized Ukraine’s demand for ceasefire conditions, insisting on talks in Istanbul.
- In Odesa, a 10-year-old boy was electrocuted climbing onto a train roof and is hospitalized.
- MP Fedir Venislavskyi said parliament is considering allowing men aged 18–24 to travel abroad without restrictions.
- Polish President Andrzej Duda claimed Ukrainians greeted him with “Bandera armbands” and are unaware of the Volyn tragedy, sparking backlash.
- Volunteer Maria Berlinska faced criticism for publishing data on Ukrainian drone makers but defended her actions.
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