A senior Russian military official, Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, was killed Monday morning in a car explosion in southern Moscow. The blast occurred in a parking lot near a residential building, according to Russian media. Sarvarov, who led the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, was critically injured and later died from his wounds, officials confirmed.
Criminal Investigation Launched
Authorities have opened a criminal case into Sarvarov’s death and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the explosion. The motive remains unclear, and officials have not shared details on the type of explosive device used or how it was detonated. The Investigative Committee stated that the case is being treated as a targeted killing and that inquiries are continuing.
Potential Foreign Involvement
Russian investigators are considering several possible leads, including a connection to Ukrainian intelligence services. “Investigators are pursuing numerous lines of enquiry regarding the murder. One of these is that the crime was orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence services,” said Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson for the Investigative Committee. She added that forensic and explosive examinations are being carried out, witnesses are being interviewed, and surveillance footage is under review.
No Response From Kyiv
Ukrainian authorities have not issued any statement regarding the allegations. Russian officials have not identified any suspects or provided public evidence linking the attack to foreign actors.
Part of a Pattern of Attacks
Sarvarov’s death follows a series of high-profile attacks on senior Russian military leaders in Moscow since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was killed in December 2024 by a remotely detonated scooter, and Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik died in April after a car bomb exploded. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for either attack.
