Unexplained Deaths of Russian Officials Amid Criticism of Ukraine Invasion

Pyotr Kucherenko, the Russian deputy minister of science and higher education, has died of undisclosed causes after a flight from Cuba. Kucherenko reportedly criticized the Kremlin's offensive in Ukraine as a "fascist invasion" and feared for his safety. He allegedly told a journalist that he was taking antidepressants and tranquilizers to cope but that it wasn't "really helping." Kucherenko joins the list of at least 13 high-profile Russians who have lost their lives under mysterious circumstances in the last 15 months.