Russian general blown up just 10 miles from Kremlin, Sky News calls it signal to US
Russian general blown up 16 km from the Kremlin (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Russia does not rule out possible Ukrainian involvement in the car bombing that targeted Russian Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, although no party has so far claimed responsibility for the incident, reports Sky News.
The outlet notes that the explosion, which occurred near the entrance to the general’s residence and less than 16 kilometers from the Kremlin, dealt a serious blow to Moscow’s image and raised questions about the effectiveness of Russia’s security services.
“He was a senior figure. Head of the Operational Training Directorate of the General Staff, Sarvarov prepared forces for future deployment, having previously served in Chechnya and Syria,” the article says.
Sky News also notes that this is not the first case of senior Russian military officials being killed since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
In particular, a year ago, Ukraine claimed responsibility for the killing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, whom Kyiv accused of ordering the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces. At the time, Russian leader Vladimir Putin described the incident as a serious failure of Russia’s security services.
In addition, in April, Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik was killed when his car exploded in Balashikha near Moscow. Two months earlier, another car bombing in Siberia killed a Russian commander suspected of war crimes.
As the outlet writes, it remains unclear why Sarvarov was specifically targeted, though it may be linked to his high rank and vulnerability. The timing of the attack also appears significant: the incident occurred after another round of peace talks between US and Russian representatives held in Miami. During those talks, Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The article notes that Ukraine has previously resorted to similar actions to demonstrate the vulnerability of Russia’s security system. This time, the author suggests, the attack may have been aimed at undermining Russia’s narrative during negotiations.
According to Sky News, the Kremlin is trying to convince the White House that its victory is inevitable and that further support for Ukraine is futile. Kyiv, by contrast, seeks to show the Donald Trump administration that it remains capable of resisting, including by demonstrating the ability to strike high-ranking Russian military officials.
The general’s death is likely a signal to Washington that the Kremlin does not have full control over the situation.
Earlier this morning, reports circulated online claiming that an assassination attempt had been carried out in Moscow against Russian Armed Forces Major General Fanil Sarvarov. It was later confirmed that Sarvarov had been killed.
