Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov, head of operational training for Russia’s armed forces general staff, died from injuries after an explosive device detonated under his car in Moscow. The blast occurred around 7am Monday, on Yaseneva Street, killing the driver inside as the vehicle moved several meters.
Russia’s Investigative Committee pursues multiple inquiries, including potential orchestration by Ukrainian intelligence services. Sarvarov oversaw combat training and readiness in the Ukraine war, with experience from both Chechen wars and Russia’s 2015-16 Syria intervention.
Official reactions and retribution calls
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the death a “terrible murder.” Pro-war figures demanded swift elimination of perpetrators. Duma defence committee member Andrey Kolesnik urged destroying attackers on sight like terrorists. Blogger Starshe Eddy called for assassinations of Ukrainian officials on their soil.
This marks the third Moscow bombing in a year killing senior officers linked to the Ukraine invasion.
Ukraine’s pattern of targeting
Ukraine has not claimed responsibility. Its intelligence has targeted dozens of Russian officers and officials since the war began, accusing them of war crimes. Last December, Kyiv claimed killing Lt Gen Igor Kirillov via scooter bomb after charging him with crimes.
President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at further strikes in September, warning Russian figures to locate bomb shelters. Putin previously labeled Kirillov’s death a security “major blunder.”
Context with peace talks
The high-profile killing coincides with US-mediated talks in Florida. Zelensky described initial US peace proposals as “quite solid,” meeting many Kyiv demands despite sticking points. Russia holds separate discussions, expected to continue.
Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special representative, criticized Ukraine’s general killings last year as potential rules of warfare violations.
Also read: Russian attacks trigger blackouts across Ukraine
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