A high-ranking Russian military commander has been assassinated after a powerful explosive device detonated under his vehicle in a southern district of Moscow, according to reports from Russian investigators cited by the Associated Press.
Details of the Assassination
The blast occurred on Monday morning in the Yasenevo district as the officer was on his way to work. Russian state media identified the victim as Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, aged 56. He served as the head of the Operational Training Directorate within the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, a key position in military planning.
Early reports from Ukrainian National News suggested the explosion was triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted beneath a Kia Sorento SUV. The device detonated shortly after the vehicle began moving.
Russian Investigation Points to Ukraine
Svetlana Petrenko, the official spokesperson for Russia's Investigative Committee, stated that authorities are exploring multiple lines of inquiry. One primary theory is that the killing was orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence services. "Investigators are pursuing numerous lines of enquiry regarding the murder. One of these is that the crime was orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence services," Petrenko said.
This incident takes place against a backdrop of intensified hostilities in the ongoing Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that over the past week, Russian forces launched approximately 1,300 attack drones, nearly 1,200 guided bombs, and nine missiles. Southern regions, including Odesa, bore the brunt of these assaults.
Escalating Conflict and Diplomatic Moves
In a tragic development from the Odesa region, Ukrainian authorities confirmed that a Russian strike killed eight people and wounded 27 others. Amidst the violence, diplomatic channels remain active. President Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine and the United States are continuing negotiations aimed at ending the war. Concurrently, Russia confirmed that talks with US officials are ongoing, with recent discussions reportedly taking place in Miami.
The assassination of a senior general in the heart of Russia's capital marks a significant and audacious attack, highlighting the war's far-reaching and shadowy frontlines beyond the battlefield in Ukraine.
