Moscow, October 1: Dmitry Zelensky, a Russian convict infamous for brutally murdering his girlfriend and dismembering her body with a meat grinder, has been granted a pardon after serving less than half of his 11-year prison sentence. The controversial release occurred following Zelensky's return from fighting in Ukraine as part of Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner mercenary group. In 2018, Dmitry Zelensky strangled his 27-year-old girlfriend, Tatiana Melekhina, and then went to horrifying lengths to cover up his crime, dismembering her body and turning it into mincemeat.

According to multiple reports,  he confessed to these gruesome actions upon turning himself in, describing in chilling detail the process of butchering and disposing of Melekhina's remains, he stated, “I butchered her body, ran it through a meat grinder, collected the bones into three bags, and threw them in the river.” This shocking case took an even darker turn when Zelensky, who had previously been convicted and sentenced for his brutal murder, was recruited to fight in Ukraine in November 2022. Russia: Fire Reported at Ministry of Defence Building in Moscow (See Pic and Video).

He returned from the war zone in April 2023 and received an unexpected pardon from the Russian government, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his release. Currently residing in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region with his aunt, Zelensky plans to start a new life in Anapa on the Black Sea coast, working in construction. While Zelensky's mother believes her son's pardon is justified due to his apparent remorse and desire for redemption, the victim's family, particularly her sister, expressed dismay at not being informed of his release and pardon. Russia Oil Depot Fire Videos: Russian Helicopter Bombs Fuel Base in Voronezh, Viral Clip Surfaces.

The tragic love story that led to Melekhina's murder highlights the complexity of the case. Melekhina became involved with Zelensky, a man nine years her senior, who concealed his marriage and daughter from her. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance in 2018 were initially shrouded in mystery, with Zelensky offering conflicting accounts. However, he ultimately confessed to the brutal act, explaining how a verbal dispute escalated into a fatal assault.

Zelensky's release, seemingly linked to his service in Ukraine, has ignited controversy and raised concerns about the justice system and accountability in Russia. The victim's family is left grappling with the painful aftermath of a heinous crime and the unexpected release of the man responsible for their loved one's death.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2023 01:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).