Popova Elena

On December 30, 2024, in the city of Shuya, Ivanovo region, a Russian army officer, Konstantin Nagayko, opened a package sent to him by unknown persons, an explosion occurred, as a result of which he died. Constantin Nagayko was the commander of a battery of the 112th Rocket Brigade of the Russian Army. The GUR believes he is involved in attacks on Ukrainian territory. Specifically, Ukrainian intelligence accuses the officer of missile shelling of the village of Groza near Kharkiv on October 5, 2023, as a result of which 59 people died. A wake for Ukrainian soldier Andriy Koziry was taking place in Groza at the time of the strike. The Investigative Committee accused Ukrainian citizen Maria Savosta and Russian citizen Elena Popova of Nagayko's murder. A criminal case was opened against them for committing a terrorist act, and Popov was also accused of illegally acquiring, storing and transporting an explosive device. According to the investigation, in 2024 Savosta and Popova entered into a conspiracy with representatives of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with the aim of carrying out a terrorist attack on Russian territory. From July to December 2024, Popova received a homemade explosive device from them, and Savosta established 'trustworthy relationships' with Konstantin Nagayko through the Telegram messenger. According to police reports, the man, while in a public place, used obscene language, violated public order, expressing clear disrespect for society. Popova passed the parcel through third parties, who left it on the officer's table. On December 30, 2024, he opened a package and died. Women were arrested in absentia and placed on international wanted lists. On June 26, 2025, the 2nd Western District Military Court found the defendants in the case guilty in absentia and sentenced Maria Savoste to 18 years in a general regime colony and Elena Popova to 24 years in a general regime colony, 1 year of restriction of freedom and a fine of 700 thousand rubles. rubles. The court also ordered the women to pay nearly 70 thousand. rubles to the benefit of the military unit. The verdict was not appealed and entered into legal force.