Photos captured from the surgical suite following the alleged assault on Ruslan Berdenov
Headline: Deputy Mayor of Shymkent, Ruslan Berdenov, Survives Assassination Attempt and Shares Medical Details
In a shocking turn of events, Deputy Mayor of Shymkent, Ruslan Berdenov, survived an assassination attempt on April 21, 2025, near the city akimat building. The attacker, Yernar Zhiyembay, used a hunting shotgun, firing several times, including a shot aimed at Berdenov's head.
Details of the Incident
The incident left Berdenov with severe injuries. He currently has 61 shotgun pellets embedded in his body, about 20% of his lung was surgically removed, and his liver had to be reconstructed. Fortunately, Berdenov managed to duck in time, avoiding a direct hit to his head.
Medical Records and Recovery
Medical records from the day of the incident indicate that Berdenov was found near the city akimat in the Nurlat district and was brought to the intensive care unit. The records also provide details about the size, shape, and location of the gunshot wounds on Berdenov's body, as well as mentioning burns on the skin at the entry points of the gunshot wounds.
Berdenov has been undergoing regular treatment and visits to doctors daily as part of his ongoing recovery process. He described the severe breathing difficulties following the attack and emphasized the extent of his injuries during his testimony.
The Trial
The criminal case regarding the assassination attempt on Ruslan Berdenov has been opened. The trial recently concluded in August 2025, with Berdenov testifying online from the hospital. The prosecution sought an 11 year and 3 month prison sentence for Zhiyembay, who is charged with attempted murder.
The motive discussed during the trial included possible workplace conflicts, with earlier rumors of jealousy dismissed by city officials.
Photographs from the Operating Room
Photos from the operating room where Deputy Mayor of Shymkent, Ruslan Berdenov, was taken after the assassination attempt have been published on social media. These photos were published with Berdenov's consent.
Current Status
Ruslan Berdenov was discharged from the hospital and made his first statement. The medical record also describes multiple fragmentation gunshot wounds in various regions of Ruslan Berdenov's body. More than 60 pellets from a hunting rifle are still in Ruslan Berdenov's body.
As the trial for the assassination attempt on Ruslan Berdenov continues, the city of Shymkent and its residents hope for a swift and just resolution.
[1] Shymkent Deputy Mayor Ruslan Berdenov Survives Assassination Attempt, [Link] [2] Ruslan Berdenov's Medical Condition After Assassination Attempt, [Link] [3] Trial for Assassination Attempt on Ruslan Berdenov Begins, [Link] [4] City Officials Dismiss Rumors of Jealousy in Ruslan Berdenov Assassination Attempt, [Link]
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, Deputy Mayor of Shymkent, Ruslan Berdenov, survived an assassination attempt that left him with severe injuries, including 61 shotgun pellets embedded in his body and a significant portion of his lung surgically removed.
- general-news reports have covered the medical details of Ruslan Berdenov's condition, revealing the locations and characteristics of the gunshot wounds on his body, as well as burns on his skin caused by the entry of the pellets.
- crime-and-justice updates have followed Ruslan Berdenov's case, with the trial for the attempted murder concluding in August 2025 and discussions about possible workplace conflicts, such as jealousy, Causing the assassination attempt.
