In a dramatic turn of events, former Russian State Duma deputy Ilya Ponomaryov, who is currently an opposition figure residing in Ukraine, narrowly escaped death when his home near Kyiv was targeted in a drone attack on August 1, 2024. This marks the fifth attempt on his life, as Ponomaryov claims. Although injured in the attack, his life is reportedly not in danger.

According to sources from Obozrevatel, a kamikaze drone from the Shahed series struck Ponomaryov's residence, detonating just five meters away from the main entrance during the night of August 1. The explosion caused multiple shrapnel wounds to Ponomaryov, but fortunately, he managed to survive. Currently, he is safely under protection.

Ilya Ponomaryov is known for his opposition towards the annexation of Crimea in 2014. He is the sole State Duma deputy who voted against the controversial move. Since his exile in 2016, Ponomaryov has been living in Ukraine and was granted Ukrainian citizenship in 2019 by former President Petro Poroshenko.

This recent attack follows a previous incident on July 31, when three drones attempted to target Ponomaryov's property. However, his residence was equipped with air defense systems that intercepted and neutralized the drones, resulting in only minor damages.

Ponomaryov took to Twitter to comment on the attack, expressing his resilience in the face of constant threats. The Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast police are currently investigating the incident.

Furthermore, Ukrainian military officials have reported that two individuals were hospitalized due to injuries caused by drone debris in the latest series of Russian strikes. The escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine have led to missile strikes and shelling of cities, causing civilian casualties.

The survival of Ponomaryov in this attack highlights the persistent dangers faced by opposition figures who stand against powerful entities. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen if those responsible for the drone attack on Ponomaryov's home will be brought to justice, and whether further measures will be taken to protect his safety.