Russian General Yaroslav Moskalik killed in car explosion near Moscow

Russia's Investigative Committee confirmed the information.

They stated that a criminal case has been opened regarding this incident.

"Following the explosion of a Volkswagen Golf near building 2 on Nesterova Street in the city of Balashikha, the Investigative Committee of Russia has initiated a criminal case on charges under Articles 105 and 222.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (murder, illegal trafficking of explosive substances)," the statement says.

It is noted that, according to available information, the explosion was caused by the detonation of an improvised explosive device filled with shrapnel.

What preceded it?

A number of Russian Telegram channels, including 112 and BAZA, had previously reported the car explosion and the likely death of the Russian general.

The explosion reportedly occurred around 10:40 a.m. when the military officer was passing a Volkswagen parked outside the house. The blast wave threw him several meters away and he died on the spot. 

Initially, it was reported that the Volkswagen explosion could have been caused by a gas cylinder, but later the TASS propaganda agency, citing operational services, reported that it was caused by an explosive device. 

According to the Telegram channel 112, experts found fragments of an improvised explosive device and warheads.

Later, a video of the explosion was posted online.

The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation reported that investigators, criminalists, and operatives arrived at the scene.

What is known about Russian General Moskalik?

According to media reports, General Moskalik was mentioned, in particular, in a TASS report from 2021. It was noted that he served as Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff. In 2015, he took part in the so-called Normandy format talks between Russia and Ukraine. It is not known whether he participated in the war in Ukraine.

• On March 20, a car carrying two Russian officers exploded in the temporarily occupied Skadovsk, Kherson region.