Wagner fighter and boxer Povetkin’s coach linked to Ukraine war killed in Mali

Hromadske, Ukrinform, and LB reported the information, citing sources.

Nesterov was reportedly killed while on a combat mission in Mali, where Wagner PMC mercenaries remain active. Although Russian military units have claimed they supposedly completed their “mission” in the country, the militants' presence and operations have continued.

Igor Nesterov also participated in Russia’s war against Ukraine. In publicly available photos, he appears alongside other Russian soldiers who fought on Ukrainian soil.

In addition, his student, boxer Alexander Povetkin, has repeatedly voiced public support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including open endorsements of the Russian army’s actions.