Overview
- Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, 56, who led the General Staff’s Operational Training Directorate, died after an explosive device detonated beneath his vehicle in a residential area of south Moscow around 06:55–07:00.
- Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a case for murder and illegal trafficking of explosives, dispatched forensic and explosive experts, and is questioning witnesses and reviewing security camera footage.
- Authorities say the device was attached under the Kia Sorento and likely triggered remotely; investigators released video showing the wrecked SUV with blood visible in the driver’s seat.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin was informed immediately; Ukraine had issued no official comment at the time of reporting.
- The killing fits a pattern of targeted attacks inside Russia since 2022, including the deaths of generals Igor Kirillov in 2024 and Yaroslav Moskalik in April 2025; local reports have described a magnetic mine in the latest blast.