Lera, the 18-month-old daughter of Alexandra Strilets, a woman convicted of treason in Russia, has died following health complications.
Key facts
- •Alexandra Strilets and her mother, Viktoria, were sentenced to 12 years in prison for treason in August 2025.
- •Lera was born in March 2025 at 27 weeks gestation, weighing 530 grams.
- •The human rights group Memorial has classified both Alexandra and Viktoria Strilets as political prisoners.
- •The court refused to delay the prison sentences for Alexandra Strilets despite her having two young children.
The 18-month-old daughter of Alexandra Strilets, a Crimean woman currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for treason, has died. The child, named Lera, was born prematurely in March 2025 and suffered from ongoing health issues, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
By the numbers
Background on the case
Alexandra Strilets, 24, and her mother, Viktoria, were sentenced to 12 years in prison by a court in Sevastopol in August 2025. Prosecutors alleged that Alexandra engaged in confidential cooperation with Ukrainian representatives against Russian security interests and recruited her mother to photograph military facilities. The court denied requests to postpone the enforcement of the sentences despite Alexandra having two children.
Circumstances of the death
Lera was born at 27 weeks gestation, weighing 530 grams. Following her birth, she was diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and required intensive care. According to the child's father, she had been discharged home the day before her death, where he had prepared a room for palliative care. She died by the following morning.
Timeline
- 2020Alexandra Strilets' older daughter was born.
- March 2025Lera was born prematurely at 27 weeks.
- August 2025A Sevastopol court sentenced Alexandra and Viktoria Strilets to 12 years in prison.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English).
