Vadim Zimin, a retired colonel who was carrying Vladimir Putin's nuclear code briefcase, was found shot dead at his home near Moscow.
According to a report in the Ukrainian newspaper Kyiv Post, which is however not confirmed by an independent source, he is currently being treated in intensive care.
Who was
The 53-year-old retired colonel of the Federal Security Service (FSB) was responsible for carrying the briefcase that always accompanies the Russian president. He has held this position since Boris Yeltsin was the leader of the Russian Federation.
The "secret briefcase" is believed to contain the launch device for the Kremlin's strategic nuclear missiles, contains a personalized key code and is under 24/7 surveillance.
Putin has previously been photographed with Zimin at his side carrying the nuclear codes, and the presence of the briefcase is seen as a symbolic threat to the West.
Zimin was found in the kitchen of his apartment in Krasnogorsk, in the Moscow region, on Wednesday afternoon.
Did he attempt suicide?
The Kyiv Post, citing Russian state media, notes that the official "attempted suicide" and was found by his brother "in a pool of blood." Zimin was reportedly shot in the head and an Izh 79-9TM pistol was found near him.
The incident comes after it was announced that Zimin is facing a criminal investigation for bribery while under house arrest.
Zimin denied the charges, which are related to his new job at a customs office.
Source: in.gr
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