Who Is Anton Milaev? Soviet Leader Leonid Brezhnev’s Great-Grandson Allegedly Captured by Ukraine

Anton Milaev, the reported great-grandson of former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, has become the subject of international attention following claims that he was captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The reports, which have not been independently verified, emerged after Russian media outlet Baza and Ukrainian sources alleged that Milaev, 45, was taken prisoner in the Kherson region. Ukrainian authorities have not officially commented on the matter, while a source in Ukraine's military intelligence reportedly told the BBC that Milaev was being held in captivity. Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow Under Largest Drone Assault in 2 Years, Says Russian Media.

Who Is Anton Milaev?

Anton Milaev is reported to be the adopted grandson of Galina Brezhneva, the daughter of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. Leonid Brezhnev led the Soviet Union from 1964 until his death in 1982 and remains one of the most influential figures in Soviet history. His nearly 18-year tenure as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union was among the longest in the country's history, second only to that of Joseph Stalin.

According to reports, Milaev joined the Russian military as a combat engineer and later participated in military operations connected to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Did ‘Black Rain’ Fall Over Moscow After Massive Ukrainian Drone Strike on Oil Refinery?

Russian Telegram channel Baza reported that Milaev lost contact with his family in November last year. According to the report, his mother, Irina Kuznetsova, was subsequently informed that her son had been captured by Ukrainian troops and was being held in the Kherson region. The claims have not been independently verified.

A source in Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence reportedly told the BBC that Milaev was in Ukrainian captivity, although no official statement has been issued by Ukrainian authorities. Serhii Sternenko, an adviser linked to Ukraine's defence ministry, also commented publicly on the reported capture.

Listed on Ukrainian Database

Milaev's name has also reportedly appeared on Myrotvorets, a controversial Ukrainian online database that lists individuals considered enemies of Ukraine. The database identified him as Brezhnev's great-grandson and claimed that he "went to kill Ukrainians voluntarily, having concluded a contract with the Russian Federation in autumn 2025".

The database also cited the Baza report while stating that Milaev had allegedly been taken prisoner. Neither the database entry nor the capture claims have been independently verified.

The reports about Milaev emerged as Russia and Ukraine continue discussions over prisoner exchanges. On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated Kyiv's willingness to conduct an "all-for-all" exchange involving prisoners held by both sides.

Earlier this year, Zelensky said Ukraine was holding more than 4,000 Russian prisoners of war, while approximately 7,000 Ukrainians were believed to be in Russian captivity.

The two countries have carried out several prisoner exchanges since the start of the conflict. Last year, Russia and Ukraine completed their largest exchange of the war, resulting in the return of hundreds of captives.

While the circumstances surrounding Anton Milaev remain unclear, the reports have attracted attention because of his family connection to Leonid Brezhnev, one of the Soviet Union's most prominent leaders.

For now, details regarding Milaev's military service, reported capture and current status remain based on media reports and unnamed sources, with no official confirmation from Ukrainian authorities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2026 08:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).