Was a Top Russian General Assassinated in Moscow's Car Blast with a Possible Ukrainian Connection?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov was killed in a car explosion in Moscow.
- Russian security agencies are investigating potential links to Ukrainian intelligence services.
- The incident has raised concerns over escalating tensions in the region.
- Forensic and investigative efforts are underway to determine the circumstances.
- Similar past incidents highlight ongoing volatility in Russian-Ukrainian relations.
Moscow, Dec 22 (NationPress) Russian security agencies are currently examining multiple theories regarding the assassination of Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, who lost his life in a car explosion in Moscow on Monday. One of the theories suggests possible involvement from Ukrainian intelligence services.
The head of the Operational Training Directorate for the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff, Sarvarov succumbed to his injuries after an explosive device was detonated beneath his vehicle on Yasenevaya Street in southern Moscow, according to local media reports.
“Different theories surrounding the murder are under investigation. One theory is linked to Ukrainian intelligence. The Moscow Prosecutor's Office is managing the investigation into the events surrounding this incident. Forensic experts and investigators from the Investigative Committee are present at the scene, and various examinations, including forensic and explosive analyses, are anticipated. Witnesses and bystanders are being interviewed, and CCTV footage is being scrutinized. The Investigative Committee's central office is monitoring the investigation closely,” reported Tass, a prominent Russian news agency.
Sarvarov, who had been in charge of the Operational Training Department of the Russian Armed Forces since 2016, received several commendations, including the Order of Courage, the Suvorov Medal, and the Order of Merit for the Fatherland at both the 1st and 2nd degree.
Previously, he participated in military operations during the Ossetian-Ingush conflict and in counter-terrorism operations in Chechnya, as well as various missions in Syria.
In a similar incident from the previous year, Lt General Igor Kirillov, chief of Russia’s Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defence Forces, was killed in a bomb blast in southeastern Moscow, with Russian officials attributing the act to Ukraine.
This explosion occurred outside a residential building on Ryazansky Avenue in southeastern Moscow as Kirillov and his aide exited to enter an official vehicle.
Russian investigators believe an IED, containing TNT, was likely affixed to an electric scooter positioned near the entrance to the building and was possibly detonated remotely via a radio signal or mobile phone.