Mysterious Circumstances Surround Russian Official’s Death

Colonel Sergei Shalaginov, a former high-ranking Russian police officer, was found dead in Yekaterinburg after resigning from his post. He previously served as the deputy head of the Center for Combating Extremism in the Sverdlovsk region. Local news outlet, E1, reported his body was discovered outside a building roughly 800 miles east of Moscow.

There is speculation surrounding Shalaginov’s death. While some Russian media suggest suicide following his dismissal, Ukrainian outlets have disputed this narrative. A peculiar pattern notes many Russian officials have died in similar unexplained circumstances since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, no direct link to the war is confirmed.

Diverging Accounts and Denials

Discrepancies in reports exist. The pro-Russian site URA.ru indicated suicide due to disagreements with the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ leadership. Yet Ukrainian sources noted this article’s removal. Valery Gorelykh, spokesperson for Sverdlovsk Police, stated Shalaginov was offered a promotion, which he declined. Gorelykh emphasized no organizational conflict existed, describing Shalaginov’s death as “an irreparable loss.”

Additional local reports noted Shalaginov’s recent retirement and commendation for his leadership. Images from media show a blurred-out body at the scene, reportedly fallen from the ninth floor.

Assassination Attempt on Russian General

The same period saw a reported assassination attempt on Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich, linked to attacks during Ukraine’s invasion. He was critically injured by a gunshot in Saratov region’s village of Probuzhdenie. Descriptions of the attack include a shooter on a motorcycle firing at Varpakhovich’s torso and face.

While Russian officials withheld the victim’s name, Telegram channels identified Varpakhovich. His actions, including commanding a strike on Ukraine’s Okhmatdet Children’s Hospital, have faced international backlash. Russia’s Investigative Committee is probing an attempted murder and arms trafficking case.