Kostadan Zavisenov, a close associate of Vladimir Putin and former LPR (People’s Republic of Luhansk) “minister,” was found dead on Tuesday night at his mansion in Moscow’s Istra district. His son discovered the body, along with a note and a bottle of alcohol, just before hearing a gunshot.

Russian authorities initially suspect suicide, as reported by Ria Novosti. However, there are growing doubts surrounding the cause of his death. Newsweek magazine reported that Zavisenov had been struggling with personal issues, including a recent separation from his wife after she caught him with a mistress. Since then, he reportedly turned to heavy drinking, spending his nights in hotels and his days hunting in Kamchatka.

Ukrainian-born racing driver and political commentator Igor Susko, who shared the news, also expressed skepticism about the official suicide narrative.

Zavisenov, a native of Perm, had an extensive background in Russia’s energy sector. In August 2022, he was appointed “minister” of the fuel, energy, and coal industry in the occupied Luhansk region by the Russian government. His career spanned several high-profile positions, including roles at the Russian Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Industry, and Rosenergoatom. He also worked with Atomstroyexport, a company overseeing foreign nuclear power plant construction.

According to Russian media, Zavisenov had been battling depression and reportedly sent a farewell message to his friends and family ten days before his death. The investigation is ongoing.