A deaf and mute pensioner from Yekaterinburg is fighting to receive death benefits after her grandson died in the special military operation zone. Iraidа Kozlova, the closest relative of the deceased 28-year-old Nikita, was denied the payments, despite being his primary caregiver since he was a child.

The military unit claimed she was not entitled to the benefits, leaving her in debt after having to borrow money to properly bury her grandson. Kozlova, who lives on a pension of 16,000 rubles, now faces the daunting task of repaying the debt.

The family has appealed to various authorities, including the court and the military prosecutor’s office, for assistance. The court acknowledged that Kozlova was Nikita’s dependent, as they lived together and he provided her with support.

Nikita’s mother abandoned him as a teenager, and she has since died. Kozlova stepped in to raise him as her own grandson.

The refusal of benefits came without explanation, and the family is also seeking answers regarding 205,000 rubles that disappeared from Nikita’s account immediately after his funeral. The person who withdrew the money has not been found, and the funds have not been returned.

Nikita’s difficult past included a ten-year prison sentence for attempted drug trafficking. After serving part of his term, he chose to participate in the special military operation.

The Ombudsman’s office and State Duma deputy Maxim Ivanov are now involved in the case, aiming to determine the specific documents submitted by Kozlova and ensure she receives the benefits she is entitled to as a dependent. Ivanov emphasized that the grandmother is entitled to a five million ruble payment.