Moscow, December 23, 2025 — A senior Russian military officer, Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, was killed when a bomb planted under his car exploded in southern Moscow on 22 December 2025. Sarvarov, aged 56 and head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian General Staff, died hours after the blast despite emergency treatment.
What Happened
- The bomb detonated early Monday morning under Sarvarov’s parked vehicle (Kia SUV) in a residential area, injuring him with severe wounds.
- He was taken to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries, according to Russian investigators.
- Forensic teams and security services have cordoned off the site to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and examine CCTV footage.
Investigation & Possible Culprits
Russia’s Position
- Russian authorities opened a criminal murder case, treating the incident as a targeted attack.
- The Investigative Committee of Russia stated that one major line of enquiry involves possible involvement by Ukrainian intelligence services.
- Kremlin officials have condemned what they describe as a terror-style act and hinted at severe consequences if outside actors are confirmed responsible.
Ukraine’s Official Stance
- Ukraine has not made any official statement taking responsibility for Sarvarov’s death.
- In past similar incidents — such as the December 2024 killing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov — Ukraine’s Security Service did claim responsibility, calling him a legitimate wartime target.
This attack is the third high-ranking assassination of a Russian military figure in about a year:
- Dec 2024 — Lt Gen Igor Kirillov killed by a bomb hidden on an electric scooter in Moscow; Ukraine’s Security Service claimed responsibility.
- Apr 2025 — Lt Gen Yaroslav Moskalik was killed in a car bomb near Moscow; a suspect later said he was paid by Ukrainian intel (according to Russian claims).
- Dec 2025 — Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov killed in a car bomb — under investigation.
These incidents have sparked security concerns within Russia about the vulnerability of even high-ranking officials on home soil.
What’s Next in the Investigation
✔️ Fingerprint & explosive analysis — forensics teams are studying the device remains. )
✔️ Security camera review — investigators are pulling footage from the area.
✔️ Interviews with local witnesses — to reconstruct movements and suspects.
Russian officials continue to publicly explore all possibilities, including foreign involvement — but no definitive conclusion has been released yet.
Summary
- 🧨 Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov was killed in a car bomb explosion in Moscow on 22 Dec 2025.
- 🕵️ Russia is investigating with one major theory pointing to Ukrainian intelligence involvement, though Ukraine has denied or not commented on this specific case.📊 The event fits into a series of targeted killings of Russian generals linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.