Sergei Jefremow, the vice-governor of Primorje, died on Sunday while carrying out combat missions in the Kursk region, according to RIA Novosti, citing Viktor Tarabarin, a Duma representative from Vladivostok, who served alongside Jefremow in a special operation since November 2022. Tarabarin recalled: “Sergei once said to me: ‘As long as we don’t liberate the Kursk border area, I won’t return home.'”
Tarabarin suggests that Jefremow’s death may have been caused by a magnetic mine, a drone, or an anti-tank missile. Another comrade of his was also killed in the incident. Due to the intense fighting, the bodies of the fallen have not yet been recovered.
Alexander Chinstein, the acting governor of the Kursk region, eulogized Jefremow as one of the best storm commanders on the entire front, who never left his men behind. Jefremow was awarded the Order of Bravery, the St. George’s Cross of the 4th Class, as well as the titles of “Hero of Primorje” and “Hero of the Donetsk People’s Republic” for his heroic deeds in battle.
Oleg Koschemjako, the governor of Primorje, called Jefremow a hero and a sensitive person with a big heart.
Notably, Jefremow’s son is also part of the special operation, although Tarabarin did not disclose the son’s name, rank, or exact location of service, leaving the details unclear.
Jefremow was the first commander of the Primorje Voluntary Battalion “Tiger”. In 2024, he was appointed vice-governor of Primorje and was responsible for the region’s internal policy.
In the summer of 2024, he took command of the “Tiger” battalion again, composed of fighters who had returned from the special operation. Together, they participated in the battles against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. After Jefremow’s death, the unit was renamed in his honor.