Former Belgorod mayor Konstantin Polezhaev has reportedly died in the combat zone in Ukraine, according to the Telegram channel "Fonar," citing close associates. Polezhaev, who was serving in a regional unit called "BARS" focused on drone defense and civilian infrastructure protection, was reportedly killed by wounds sustained from a drone strike.

Polezhaev, who led Belgorod from 2015 and later served as deputy governor overseeing the housing and utilities department, was dismissed in July 2023. He was subsequently arrested and convicted of bribery, receiving a 5-year sentence in August 2024 for accepting luxury cars in exchange for state contracts and for money laundering. Days before his sentencing, Polezhaev signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense, and his sentence was suspended for the duration of his service.