Russian commander killed and wife fights for life ‘with legs blown off’ in St Petersburg car bombing
A senior Russian air force officer was killed in a suspected car-bomb explosion in St Petersburg, while his wife was critically injured. The incident is significant because it follows other attacks on Russian military-linked figures during the war in Ukraine, although no group immediately claimed responsibility.
Reports identified the victim as a 53-year-old lieutenant colonel and pilot, whose Geely car exploded near Kolpinskoye Highway at about 10am after leaving a car park. Russian media said an improvised explosive device was used, and investigators opened a criminal case while bomb-disposal teams examined the scene. The explosion occurred in Slavyanka, an area said to house many senior Defence Ministry officers.
In short
- Russian lieutenant colonel killed in suspected St Petersburg car bombing
- His wife was critically injured in the blast
- No immediate claim of responsibility was made
Explained simply
Russia’s armed forces include the air force, which operates military aircraft and is part of the Defence Ministry. A lieutenant colonel is a senior officer; pilots may hold roles connected with flying, training or managing air operations.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, people linked to the Russian military have been targeted in several attacks inside Russia. Such incidents can raise questions about security and responsibility, particularly when no one has claimed an attack. The available reports do not establish who was behind this explosion or whether it was connected to the war.