Pro-Russian Governor Of Kherson Poisoned By His Cook, Maid: Reports

The pro-Russian governor of the Kherson region in Ukraine is in a medically-induced coma after his cook and maid allegedly poisoned him. Doctors have reportedly sent the blood samples of Vladimir Saldo for a toxicology study, said reports.

Saldo was immediately airlifted from Crimea to a Moscow hospital, said The New Voice Of Ukraine, quoting Russian local media. Though Saldo's employees are suspected to be behind the incident, the authorities are waiting for the results of the blood tests to ascertain whether he was indeed poisoned.

"Half an hour after Saldo ate, he experienced clouding of consciousness, then his fingers went numb. In a few more hours he passed out. Local doctors performed a cardiogram and a CT scan, ruling out a heart attack or a stroke," the report added.

His condition has reportedly worsened, and Saldo was put on a ventilator in toxicological intensive care. "The results of the tests will show what exactly Saldo was poisoned with. They will become known to doctors within a few days," according to Russian media.

However, Saldo had posted a message on his Telegram handle, just before his hospitalization. "After another meeting with the government of the Kherson region, the Minister of Health came up to me and insisted on an immediate medical examination. I, of course, refused, but the minister brought doctors into the office who, having made an examination, insisted on immediate hospitalization. After discussing with my colleagues, I decided to agree with the doctors' suggestions," the post read.

According to Russian media Baza, Saldo's duties will be performed by the chairman of the Kherson regional government Serhiy Yeliseyev.

Saldo, 66, assumed charge as the head of the Kherson Military-Civilian Administration in Russian-occupied Ukraine on April 26, 2022. Before that, he was the People's Deputy of Ukraine from 2012 to 2014 and served as the Mayor of Kherson from 2014-2015.

This comes as another official of Kherson, who defected to the Russian side, was shot to death by unidentified persons. Vitaliy Hura, the Moscow-appointed deputy head of the local occupation authority in Kherson, was shot with a handgun while near his home. The news of his death was released by Russian media on Aug. 6.

Though Ukrainian media did not provide any additional details about Hura's condition, RIA Novosti showed a video shot in a private house with traces of blood in the hallway.