On January 4, North Ossetian public figure Artur Khadzaragov reported that Vladimir Pukhaev, the former [de-facto] Minister of Defense of [separatist] South Ossetia/Tskhinvali Region, was blown up by a landmine in the Russo-Ukrainian war.

"The combat vehicle of one of the most devoted sons of Ossetia, the former Minister of Defense of the Republic of South Ossetia, Vladimir Pukhaev, was blown up by an enemy landmine while performing a combat mission," the message said.

On January 5, however, Pukhaev's family stated that Vladimir Pukhaev is currently at home and nothing threatens his health. According to the family, the incident took place in December. Now Pukhaev is in the Tskhinvali Region, but he intends to return to his combat post.

Notably, Vladimir Pukhaev, a participant of the war against Georgia, was awarded the highest state award in separatist South Ossetia, "Uatsamonga." Over the years, he worked for the separatist republic's law enforcement agencies, including the Ministry of Defense. He led the South Ossetian Defense Department from April to August 2022.