Senior Russian General Killed in Moscow Car Bombing; Investigators Cite Possible Ukrainian Link

A car bomb in Moscow killed Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov on Dec. 22, 2025. Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a murder investigation, citing Ukrainian intelligence as a possible orchestrator.

A senior Russian general has been killed by a car bomb in southern Moscow, Russia’s Investigative Committee announced on Monday, launching a murder probe that is exploring the potential involvement of Ukrainian intelligence services.

In a statement, the committee identified the victim as Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, head of the army operational training directorate within the General Staff. He was killed when an explosive device detonated underneath his car in a parking lot on Yaseneva Street at approximately 7 a.m. Moscow time (04:00 GMT).

"Investigators are pursuing numerous lines of enquiry regarding the murder," said Svetlana Petrenko, a spokesperson for the committee. "One of these is that the crime was orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence services."

The attack marks another high-profile assassination of a military figure within the Russian capital, raising questions about security vulnerabilities. The official suggestion of Ukrainian involvement is likely to further escalate tensions between the two nations.

Context: A History of Similar AttacksThis incident follows a pattern of similar targeted killings. In December 2024, Ukraine claimed responsibility for the assassination of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the chief of Russia's nuclear, biological, and chemical protection forces. He was killed by a bomb hidden on an electric scooter outside his apartment building in Moscow.

The investigation into Sarvarov's death is ongoing as authorities continue to process the scene.

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