A high-ranking Russian general has been killed in a car bombing near Moscow. General Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy chief of operations at Russia’s top military command, died Friday morning. The blast also killed another person and injured several others. Investigators found the bomb was hidden in a Volkswagen Golf parked outside an apartment building in Balashikha, a suburb of Moscow. The explosion caused a fire and sent debris flying. Security cameras captured the moment of the blast. No one has claimed responsibility, and Russian investigators haven’t said who they think was behind it.
Timing Raises Questions
The bombing happened just hours before US special envoy Steve Whitcroft met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. They discussed efforts to stop the fighting in Ukraine. The talks came as the US presidential term nears a critical 100-day deadline. General Moskalik had previously represented Russia in Ukraine talks, known as the Normandy Format, back in 2015. He was promoted to general in 2021 by Putin. His death adds tension to ongoing negotiations between Moscow and Washington. The Ukraine conflict has now dragged on for nearly four years.
Investigation Underway
Russian investigators are still looking into the bombing. They haven’t released any details about potential suspects or motives. The bombing has raised concerns about security in Moscow. It’s not clear if the attack is linked to the Ukraine conflict or the upcoming talks between the US and Russia. The situation remains uncertain as the international community watches closely.