ONE of Vladimir Putin’s top allies narrowly escaped death after Ukrainian missiles hit an office just minutes after he left. Vyacheslav Volodin, 58, was reportedly meeting separatist officials in Donetsk when he was targeted. The Ukrainian strike reportedly missed Vyacheslav Volodin, 58 (right) because they were fired too late The uber-loyalist hardline politician is speaker of the Russian parliament – and has previously been tipped as a possible Putin successor. According to Russian newspaper Kommersant, missiles hit the private office of Denis Pushilin, the leader of the pro-Putin puppet state Donetsk People’s Republic. The office was destroyed in the strike just “minutes” after they left. Pictures from the scene show significant damage on the upper floor of the building. Volodin is the man who will ultimately decide the fate of British fighters in Ukraine – currently sentenced to execution by firing squad in the Russian puppet states, while others are facing trial. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY… The Sun is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Download our fantastic, new and improved free App for the best ever Sun Online experience. For iPhone click here, for Android click here. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun. Most read in News GUN HORROR Drug dealer who burst into tragic Olivia's home before botched 'hit' is pictured 'FOREVER GRATEFUL' Family of Owami Davies describe 'deep gratitude' as she's found 'safe' GUN HORROR Innocent Olivia, 9, was gunned down by hitman at bedtime as she hid behind mum GREAT WHITE CLIFFS Families flee Kent beach in terror as huge 'shark' circles near kids HOW COULD THEY? Intended gun victim's cruel pals took him to hospital - as Olivia lay dying DEATH TO THE WEST Russia threatens West with nuclear war & vows to prepare BOMB SHELTERS