A senior Russian military official, Colonel Damir Davydov, was killed in a targeted car bombing near Moscow on June 9, 2026. The explosion occurred at 5:30 a.m. in Balashikha, a suburb just outside the capital, destroying a BMW X3 and marking the latest in a series of assassinations targeting Russian military figures since the Ukraine invasion. The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a criminal probe into the attack. RIA Novosti+2
The explosion happened near a high-rise residential building along the Moscow Ring Road, with witnesses reporting two consecutive blasts. Passersby attempted to rescue the driver but were unsuccessful. Forensic teams later confirmed an explosive device had been planted in the vehicle. Russian Gazette+2
Colonel Davydov served as Putin's ammunition supply chief, playing a critical role in sustaining Russia's war effort. His death follows a pattern of attacks on pro-war figures and Ukrainian defectors, with at least five high-ranking military officials assassinated since 2022. The Independent+2
The attack underscores Ukraine's alleged strategy to disrupt Russian logistics by targeting key military personnel. While Kyiv hasn't claimed responsibility, independent outlet Astra reported the bombing aligns with previous operations against Russian war infrastructure. The New York Times+2
Authorities are examining security footage showing the vehicle moving from a parking lot before detonation. The incident has raised questions about Moscow's ability to protect its military leadership amid growing internal security challenges. Russian Gazette+2