Pro-Putin War Reporter Anna Prokofieva Killed By Landmine Near Ukraine Border

Anna Prokofieva, a Russian war correspondent and vocal supporter of President Vladimir Putin, was killed on March 26, 2025, after her vehicle struck a landmine in Russia’s Belgorod region near the Ukrainian border. The 35-year-old journalist had been covering the conflict on behalf of Russia’s state-run Channel One.

According to official reports, Prokofieva was traveling with a film crew when the explosion occurred. Her cameraman, Dmitry Volkov, survived the blast but was critically injured and is currently undergoing treatment. The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a probe into the circumstances of the explosion.

Prokofieva gained a reputation for her enthusiastic coverage of Russia’s military operations and was often seen in military gear, with the “Z” insignia, a symbol of support for the war in Ukraine. Her social media posts and broadcasts regularly echoed pro-government propagandists.

The Belgorod region—which borders Ukraine—has seen escalating violence in recent months, including drone strikes and shelling, as Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian military positions and infrastructure. While Prokofieva was not on the Ukrainian side of the conflict zone, the region’s instability has made it increasingly hazardous for civilians and media alike.

Critics of Putin have frequently died under mysterious circumstances since the war began three years ago.