A soldier from the Astrakhan region was killed in a military operation.

Rustam Badelov was killed in combat. Since the beginning of the military operation in Ukraine, at least 680 soldiers from the Astrakhan region have been officially recognized as killed.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," by January 21, at least 679 soldiers from the Astrakhan region were officially recognized as killed in the military operation.

Rustam Badelov, killed in the SVO zone, was buried in the Volodarsky district, the district administration reported. He was 43 years old. Before signing his contract, he worked at various enterprises in the Astrakhan region and beyond, including on a rotational basis. In March 2025, Rustam was sent to a special military operation zone and was killed on May 22, 2025, according to the Volodarsky District administration's Telegram channel.

Thus, at least 680 fighters from the Astrakhan Region have been officially recognized as killed in the military operation.

The number of fighters from southern Russia killed in Ukraine has exceeded 8,500

"Caucasian Knot" maintains a list of names of natives of the North Caucasus and Southern Federal Districts killed in the military operation. The list was compiled based on data officially released by government officials and law enforcement agencies, according to the Caucasian Knot report "Northern Military District Statistics: Losses Are Mounting in Southern Russia."

State awards, memorial plaques, and appearances on Channel One do not guarantee state support for the families of those killed, according to the Caucasian Knot report "Three Comrades Served: How Authorities Are Depriving Families of Killed Volunteers of Benefits," which describes the stories of fighters from other regions.