A senior Russian military commander has been assassinated in the heart of Moscow after a bomb planted under his vehicle detonated. The attack marks a significant escalation in covert operations targeting Russia's military elite.
Details of the Assassination
Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, who led the operational training directorate within the Russian armed forces' general staff, died from his injuries. The explosion occurred at approximately 7 a.m. on Monday 22 December 2025 on Yaseneva Street in the Russian capital.
Russian authorities have launched a major investigation, with the country's Investigative Committee confirming they are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry. Early reports indicate the explosive device was fixed to the underside of the general's car.
Historical Context and Suspicions
Investigators are reportedly considering the potential role of Ukrainian intelligence services in orchestrating the lethal strike. This suspicion is fuelled by a strikingly similar incident that occurred just one year prior.
In December 2024, another high-ranking officer, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, was killed in an attack for which Ukraine's security service (SBU) claimed responsibility. The latest assassination suggests a possible pattern of targeted operations against Russian military leadership.
Implications and Ongoing Investigation
The killing of a senior figure like Sarvarov, who was responsible for training operations across the Russian military, represents a severe security breach and a propaganda blow to the Kremlin. It underscores the vulnerability of even high-profile figures in tightly controlled Moscow.
While no group has yet claimed responsibility for Monday's attack, the focus on Ukrainian involvement points to the ongoing shadow war extending far beyond the front lines in Ukraine. The investigation continues as authorities examine forensic evidence and security footage from the scene of the blast.
