A car bomb detonated under Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov’s white Kia Sorento on Yasenevaya Street in southern Moscow on December 22, 2025, killing the 56-year-old head of Russia’s General Staff operational training department.
This is the third assassination of a senior Russian general in just over a year. Ukrainian intelligence has been accused in connection with the attack.
Assassination Timeline
December 2024: Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, chief of Russia’s nuclear, biological, and chemical forces, was killed by a scooter bomb near his Moscow apartment, along with aide Ilya Polikarpov. Ukraine’s SBU claimed responsibility.
April 2025: Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy chief of the General Staff’s Main Operational Directorate, was killed by a car bomb outside Moscow. December 2025: Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov was killed by a car bomb in Moscow.
All three involved explosives in or near Moscow.
Strategic Context
Russia’s generals, including Sarvarov with experience in Chechnya and Syria, have been targeted by explosive devices on home soil.
Ukrainian agents are accused of exploiting opportunities to plant the bombs. Putin described security lapses after Kirillov’s death as a “significant error.”
Verified Facts
Since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, three Moscow-based generals have been killed by explosive devices: Kirillov (Dec 2024, scooter IED), Moskalik (Apr 2025, car bomb), Sarvarov (Dec 2025, car bomb).
These are confirmed by Russia’s Investigative Committee and Western reports, with forensic evidence including damaged vehicles and blast effects.
Reported Ramifications
The attacks have prompted increased security measures for surviving officers. Analysts note potential impacts on officer morale, recruitment, and resource allocation.
Putin has criticized security shortcomings.
Ongoing Developments
Three senior Russian generals have been assassinated in Moscow-area attacks over 13 months.
The incidents highlight reach of accused Ukrainian operations amid the Ukraine war. Verified intelligence points to continued risks.
Sources:
- Russian general killed by bomb under his car in Moscow
NBC News
- Russian general killed in Moscow car bombing in apparent Ukrainian attack
The Times of Israel
- Russian general killed by car bomb in Moscow, officials say
BBC News
- Car bomb kills Russian General Fanil Sarvarov in Moscow
Al Jazeera
- Russian General Killed In Moscow: 10 Assassinations Russia Blames on Ukraine
NDTV
- High-profile Russians assassinated since start of Ukraine war
Reuters
- Russian General Killed in Moscow Amid Ukraine-Russia Conflict