Senior Russian general reportedly killed in car explosion near Moscow
File photo: A car was blown up in the Moscow region (Getty Images)
Today, June 9, a car exploded near Moscow. Authorities are withholding the name of the victim, but reports have emerged suggesting it may be a lieutenant general in the Russian Armed Forces, according to the Russian Telegram channel ASTRA and other media outlets.
The incident occurred on the morning of June 9 in the Aviatorov neighborhood on Koldunova Street. This particular area is known for being home to many Russian military personnel and officers.
ASTRA reports that the explosion occurred shortly after the driver got behind the wheel and began moving.
Details
Russian media report that a BMW X3 exploded around 5:30 a.m. near a high-rise building.
The driver sustained severe injuries and died at the scene.
According to preliminary information, the explosive device had a power of about 400 grams in TNT equivalent.
The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened a criminal case and ordered a series of forensic examinations.
Who is believed to be victim
Russian authorities have not officially released the name of the deceased.
At the same time, several Russian media outlets claim that the victim was a 62-year-old lieutenant general in the Russian army.
It is reported that he purchased the car that exploded less than two years ago.
Witnesses reported a suspicious man.
According to Russian media, eyewitnesses saw an unknown man near the scene shortly before the explosion.
According to them, he was approximately 170–175 centimeters tall, had a slender build, a beard, and was carrying a backpack.
After the explosion, the man allegedly left the area quickly. Law enforcement is investigating his possible involvement in the incident.
Why this area attracted attention
The Aviatorov neighborhood in Balashikha was built primarily for military personnel and their families.
According to Russian journalists, the explosion occurred near Building No. 10, whose apartments were allocated through agencies of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
ASTRA noted that the new incident occurred approximately 400 meters from the site where, in April 2025, General Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, was killed.
At that time, his car was also blown up in Balashikha.
Assassinations of generals in Russia
Last December in Moscow, Major General Fanil Sarvarov of the Russian Armed Forces was killed when his car was blown up.
Before that, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian Armed Forces’ Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Forces, was killed in an explosion in the Russian capital. The operation to eliminate him was carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine.
In addition, in June 2023, Russian Major General Sergei Goryachev was killed in southern Ukraine as a result of a strike on a command post.
