A senior Russian military commander, Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, was assassinated in a targeted car bombing in the capital city of Moscow on Monday, December 22, 2025. Russian state investigators have pointed a finger at Ukrainian special services, suggesting they may be responsible for the brazen attack.
The Attack: A Bomb Under the General's Car
The deadly incident occurred in the southern part of Moscow. According to official statements from Russia's State Investigative Committee, an explosive device was planted under the Kia Sorento SUV driven by Lieutenant General Sarvarov. The bomb detonated at precisely 06:55 Moscow time (0355 GMT) as the general was leaving a parking space.
The force of the explosion wrecked the vehicle. A video released by investigators showed the grim aftermath, with the car severely damaged and blood visible on the driver's seat. The committee confirmed that Sarvarov, who held a key position as the head of the army operational training directorate within the Russian General Staff, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Official Investigation Points to Ukraine
In the immediate aftermath, Russian authorities launched a criminal investigation. The Investigative Committee stated that one of the primary theories being pursued is the involvement of Ukrainian special services. This allegation, reported by international news agency Reuters, adds a new layer of tension to the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
As of now, there has been no official comment or claim of responsibility from Ukrainian authorities. The attack marks a rare and significant security breach within Moscow itself, targeting a high-ranking military figure closely associated with army training and operations.
Who Was Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov?
Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov was not a peripheral figure in the Russian military hierarchy. He served as the chief of the training department within the General Staff, officially known as the army operational training directorate. This role placed him at the heart of planning and overseeing the preparation of Russian army forces, making his assassination a significant symbolic and operational blow.
The killing of such a senior official in the heart of Russia is likely to have serious repercussions. It underscores the shadowy, extended reach of the conflict beyond the battlefield in Ukraine and into acts of covert warfare.
The investigation remains active, with Russian authorities likely to pursue the case aggressively. The world watches closely for Ukraine's response and for any further developments that might escalate the already volatile situation between the two warring nations.
