A Russian general was killed in a car bomb attack on Monday, marking the third assassination of a high-ranking military officer in just over a year. Ukrainian involvement is being considered as a possible motive for the incident, according to investigators.
Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, who served as the head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, succumbed to his injuries at the age of 56, confirmed Svetlana Petrenko, the spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee. Petrenko mentioned that various leads are being pursued in the murder investigation, including the suspicion of Ukrainian intelligence services orchestrating the attack.
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been high since Moscow’s military intervention in Ukraine several years ago. Russian authorities have consistently accused Kyiv of carrying out targeted assassinations of military officials and public figures in Russia. While Ukraine has taken responsibility for some of these incidents in the past, they have not responded to the recent death of Lt. Gen. Sarvarov.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reported that President Vladimir Putin was promptly briefed on the assassination of Sarvarov, a veteran who had participated in military operations in Chechnya and Syria.
This latest incident follows a string of similar assassinations blamed on Ukraine by Russia. Approximately a year ago, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of the military’s nuclear, biological, and chemical protection forces, was killed in a bombing attack outside his residence. Ukraine claimed responsibility for that assassination, leading to the arrest of an Uzbek man allegedly involved in the plot.
In a separate incident, Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, a deputy head of the main operational department in the General Staff, was killed by an explosive device planted in his parked car near Moscow. A suspect was swiftly apprehended following the attack.
Ukraine has employed unconventional tactics in its conflict with Russia, including surprise incursions and attacks. These strategies have aimed to disrupt Russian military operations and morale. Notably, Ukraine has targeted the Russian navy in the Black Sea using sea drones and missiles, forcing the repositioning of Russian warships and limiting their activities.
Western officials have accused Russia of engaging in covert operations to undermine support for Ukraine, alleging disruptions and sabotage across Europe. Moscow has refuted these accusations, denying any involvement in such activities.
