Car Explosion in Balashikha Claims Life of Russian Defense Ministry General

Balashikha, Moscow Region – April 25, 2025 – A powerful car explosion in Balashikha has resulted in the tragic death of General Moskalik, a member of the Russian Defense Ministry. The incident occurred around 10:40 a.m. on Nesterov Boulevard in the Aviatorov microdistrict, near a residential building. According to reports, an improvised explosive device (IED) was concealed in a parked Volkswagen Golf and detonated as the general walked past, resulting in fatal injuries.

The force of the explosion was so severe that it propelled the general several meters away from the blast site. First responders, including police, the Emergencies Ministry, and bomb disposal experts, arrived promptly, extinguishing the fire ignited by the explosion and cordoning off the area for investigative purposes. Initial assessments suggest that the IED contained striking elements, such as metal balls, indicating a targeted attack.

Details surrounding General Moskalik’s presence in Balashikha and his specific role have not been disclosed. However, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has classified the incident as a potential terrorist attack, especially considering the context of similar past incidents. Notably, in December 2024, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was killed in a scooter explosion in Moscow, an operation claimed by Ukrainian special services.

Authorities are actively exploring the possibility of Ukrainian involvement, as such attacks on military personnel have been increasingly common in recent months. The explosion in Balashikha follows a series of violent episodes targeting military figures, raising concerns about a pattern of orchestrated attacks. For example, a deadly explosion in Sevastopol in November 2024 claimed the life of a naval officer and was also classified as a terrorist attack.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the IED used in Balashikha may have had a power equivalent to approximately 200 grams of TNT, consistent with explosives used in previous attacks. The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case regarding the incident, focusing on charges related to terrorism and illegal transportation of explosives.

In light of the strategic importance of Balashikha and the rising frequency of sabotage incidents, authorities have urged local residents to refrain from speculation while the investigation is underway. Video footage from nearby surveillance cameras captured the explosion and the subsequent fire, which has heightened concerns among the local population.

As the investigation continues, the authorities are collecting evidence and reviewing CCTV footage to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. The increasing number of targeted attacks on military personnel in Russian cities is alarming, prompting calls for heightened security measures in light of the ongoing conflict in the region.