Russian journalist critical of Vladimir Putin found dead in Ukraine

A Russian journalist and well-known critic of Vladimir Putin has been found dead in Ukraine on his birthday.

Alexander Shchetinin’s body was discovered by his friends early this morning at his Kiev apartment, according to a Facebook post from the police.
He had a gunshot wound to the head and there was also a suicide note, with a weapon found nearby.

Police ascertain the circumstances of the death of the journalist,’ a message on the force’s social media page said.
‘Notice is received by the Police Podolsky around midnight. When arrived at the scene investigative team, on the balcony of a man found gunshot wound to the head.’

Spent cartridges were also found at the scene and the door to his apartment was locked.

Shchetinin launched the Novy Region (New Region) press agency and reportedly called Russian president Putin a ‘personal enemy’.

He had officially become a Ukrainian after relinquishing his Russian citizenship.

Ukrainian police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of Shchetinin’s death.