The elder brother of Zelensky's adviser died fighting on the side of Russia against Ukraine.
Vladimir Podoliak, brother of Mikhail Podoliak, died in May 2024 in the Zaporizhia region. This is what the "Killed in Ukraine" project reported in reference to the Rosstat data leak.
The man's grave was discovered back in June 2024. His ceremonial portrait shows him in a Russian colonel's uniform with awards, including two orders of bravery and a badge for service in military intelligence.
According to the leak, Vladimir Podoliak died on May 19, 2024 from an intracranial injury in Kirillivka. A foreigner from the TsPS team, apparently the training center for GRU specialists, is found near the grave.
Mikhail Podoliak did not comment on the death of his brother. In the past, he admitted his connection with the Russian special services, but in 2021 called his relative "an ordinary military pensioner".