A Russian general was killed in a car bombing on Monday, marking the third assassination of a high-ranking military official within a year. Investigators are considering the possibility that Ukraine orchestrated the attack.
Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, who headed the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, succumbed to his injuries at the age of 56, as confirmed by Svetlana Petrenko, the spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee. Petrenko mentioned that various leads are being pursued, including the involvement of Ukrainian intelligence services in the murder.
Following Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine almost four years ago, the Russian government has frequently accused Kyiv of being behind several targeted killings of military personnel and public figures. While some incidents have been claimed by Ukraine, there has been no official response regarding the recent death.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin was promptly informed of Sarvarov’s assassination. Sarvarov, who had combat experience in Chechnya and participated in military operations in Syria, had a notable military background.
Russia has previously attributed similar assassinations to Ukraine. Approximately a year ago, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the head of the military’s nuclear, biological, and chemical protection forces, was killed by a bomb hidden on an electric scooter near his residence. Ukraine’s security service took responsibility for that attack, leading to the arrest of an Uzbek suspect linked to the incident.
In a related incident, Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, a senior officer in the General Staff, was killed by an explosive device planted in his parked car outside Moscow. A suspect was swiftly apprehended in connection with the crime.
Ukraine, facing a larger and more advanced Russian military, has employed unconventional tactics to disrupt Russian operations. These tactics include surprise incursions into Russian territory, attacks on the Russian navy using drones and missiles in the Black Sea, and drone strikes on bomber bases within Russia.
Furthermore, Western officials have accused Russia of engaging in covert activities across Europe to undermine support for Ukraine. Moscow has denied these allegations, emphasizing its commitment to the conflict.