MOSCOW, Russia – The recent death of Anna Tsareva, the deputy editor-in-chief of Komsomolskaya Pravda, has raised concerns following a series of mysterious deaths in Russia. Tsareva, 35, was found dead in her Moscow home, almost a year after her boss, Vladimir Sungorkin, 68, passed away.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into Tsareva’s death, with initial reports indicating no signs of a break-in at her apartment. While she had been battling an acute respiratory viral infection and high fever, some sources suspect she died from acute heart failure. Her father discovered her lifeless body after she had not been in contact since Sunday.
Tsareva was responsible for managing content on Komsomolskaya Pravda’s website, including coverage of President Vladimir Putin’s policies and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The newspaper, which reportedly had 83.9 million readers in October 2023, has been closely associated with Putin, drawing criticism for its perceived role in disseminating propaganda.
Sungorkin, who also served as the editor-in-chief and director general of Komsomolskaya Pravda, passed away in September 2022 while on a business trip. His sudden death, attributed to a heart attack, raised suspicions due to his involvement with the pro-Kremlin newspaper and his controversial views on foreign affairs, particularly regarding Ukraine.
The deaths of Tsareva and Sungorkin have prompted scrutiny over their association with a publication described as Putin’s favorite newspaper, placing a spotlight on the potential risks faced by individuals working in support of Russia’s leadership. Tsareva, who had previously worked at Echo Moscow and the state news agency TASS, leaves behind a complex legacy amid ongoing tensions in the region.