Deputy Governor from Russia's Far East killed in Kursk region

A video message from Kozhemyako about his deputy's death appeared on the governor's Telegram channel.

According to Kozhemyako, Yefremov died "returning from a combat mission" while on reconnaissance. The governor did not share additional details.

The Telegram channel SHOT, linked to Russian security forces, reported that Yefremov’s car hit a mine, killing him and another officer.

Public records show that Sergey Yefremov was the first deputy head of the Ussuriysk city administration and led the Primorsky branch of the Voluntary Society for the Assistance of the Army, Aviation, and Navy. In 2022, he joined Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and commanded the "Tiger" mercenary detachment, which was made up of Primorye residents. In February 2024, he became vice governor for internal policy while continuing to fight against the Ukrainian army. As vice governor, he oversaw material support for occupying Russian soldiers from Primorye in the combat zone and handled reinforcements recruitment.