A high-ranking Russian military officer died on Tuesday when his car exploded near a residential building outside Moscow, according to a senior Ukrainian official and Russian media reports.
This incident seems to continue a pattern of targeted assassinations of opponents of Ukraine within Russia. It follows Ukraine’s success in thwarting a Russian summer offensive and their long-range strikes on Moscow and vital oil assets.
Russian investigators have started a criminal case regarding the explosion, which occurred in Balashikha, east of Moscow. They confirmed the driver died on the spot but did not name the victim or describe the specifics of the case. However, both Russian and Ukrainian media identified the victim as Damir R. Davydov, an officer in the supply department for the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Russian military. A senior Ukrainian official also confirmed his identity under anonymity.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov stated on Wednesday that President Vladimir V. Putin was briefed about the incident. He noted that details would remain confidential due to the ongoing investigation.
The explosion happened in the same area where a similar attack occurred in April 2025, killing Maj. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik with a car bomb. Ukrainian special services continue to target Russian military officials in ways that reveal vulnerabilities and challenge Russian security.
Previous incidents include the death of Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov from a car bomb at the end of December, as well as Igor Kirillov’s death in December 2024 after a scooter bomb detonated outside a building. President Putin described Kirillov’s killing as a significant mistake and emphasized the need for improved security from Russian intelligence services.
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