• Russian General Yaroslav Moskalik was killed in a car bomb attack in Balashikha.
• The FSB has detained a Ukrainian agent, Ignat Kuzin, linked to the attack.
• Authorities suspect the assassination was orchestrated by Ukrainian special services.

A Russian general, Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik, was killed by a car bomb on Friday in Balashikha, a suburb just outside Moscow. The Russian Investigative Committee reported that the explosive device, rigged with shrapnel, exploded as Moskalik approached his parked car. The attack marks the second assassination of a senior Russian officer in about four months, with Moscow accusing Ukraine of being responsible, although no evidence was provided immediately. Videos shared by Russian media captured the burning vehicle at the scene, according to Indiatimes and Indiatimes.

The FSB announced the detention of a man named Ignat Kuzin, described as a “Ukrainian special services agent,” who allegedly planted the explosives in Moskalik's vehicle. Following the explosion, Kuzin was apprehended, and the FSB claimed he was under orders from Ukraine to carry out the attack. Reports note that Kuzin had traveled to Moscow after being recruited by Ukrainian intelligence earlier in the year, according to BBC and Dawn.

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that the incident underscores a pattern of aggressive actions by Ukrainian forces against Russian military personnel. The attack also occurred amidst ongoing discussions regarding peace negotiations, which have faced significant hurdles, particularly regarding the status of Crimea. Moskalkik was notable for his role in prior negotiations with Ukraine, including the failed Minsk agreements, highlighting the political ramifications of his assassination, as reported by Newsweek and BBC.