Russian authorities are investigating the death of Vyacheslav Leontyev, the 87-year-old head of the famous Pravda publishing house, after he reportedly fell 70ft from the window of his home in western Moscow.
Leontyev, who oversaw the Soviet-era newspaper Pravda — once the chief organ of the ruling Communist Party — died on Saturday evening. Police are probing whether the fall was an accident, suicide, or foul play, according to Mail Online.
Another “Strange Death” in Russia
Exiled journalist Andrey Malgin reacted to the news, calling it another in a series of “strange deaths” in Russia. He claimed Leontyev gave the impression of being an “underground millionaire” with knowledge of the Communist Party’s financial empire, suggesting he may have known much about “the Party’s money.”
Unconfirmed reports indicate the publisher may have been battling health issues prior to his death.
Long List of Suspicious Deaths
Leontyev’s death adds to a growing list of mysterious fatalities involving Russian elites, business tycoons, and government officials, many of whom have died in unusual circumstances since the war in Ukraine began.
Just last month, Alexander Fedotov, former St Petersburg transport boss, was found dead outside the Skypoint Luxe Hotel near Sheremetyevo International Airport. Reports noted that no suicide note was found, prompting a criminal investigation. Fedotov was linked to Putin’s transport minister Roman Starovoit, who himself died in July under suspicious circumstances.
Other high-profile cases include:
- Ravil Maganov, 67, Lukoil tycoon, who fell from a hospital window in September 2022.
- His successor, Vladimir Nekrasov, who died of “acute heart failure” in October 2023.
- Vladimir Lebedev, senator and war supporter with Lukoil ties, who died suddenly at age 60.
- Vitaly Robertus, 53, Lukoil vice-president, found hanged in his office toilet in March 2024.
- Pavel Antov, sausage tycoon and politician, who fell from a hotel window in India in December 2022.
- Marina Yankina, 58, defence official managing war funds, who died after a 160ft fall in February 2023.
Growing Concern Over Pattern of Deaths
These repeated tragedies — many involving falls from high-rise buildings — have fueled speculation about whether they are accidents, suicides, or politically motivated killings. Analysts argue that the pattern is “too consistent to ignore,” especially as several of the victims had voiced opposition to or distanced themselves from Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Investigations into Leontyev’s death are ongoing.
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