Ukrainian Special Services Allegedly Behind Murder of Russian General in Balashikha

On April 26, 2025, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, addressed the recent death of Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik, the Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces. Moskalik was killed in a car explosion in Balashikha, a city in the Moscow Region, on the morning of April 25.

The explosion, which occurred around 10:40 a.m. in the Dzerzhinsky microdistrict, was attributed to a homemade explosive device, as confirmed by the Russian Investigative Committee. The blast reportedly propelled Moskalik several meters away from the site, igniting a fire and damaging nearby structures. The attack also claimed the life of a passerby and injured two others. In response, the Investigative Committee launched a criminal investigation under charges of murder and illegal trafficking of explosives, with the Main Investigative Department overseeing the case.

Zakharova accused Ukrainian special services of orchestrating the attack, labeling it a reflection of the “barbaric nature of the Kyiv regime.” The vehicle involved in the incident, a Volkswagen Golf, was said to belong to a local resident but had recently been re-registered to an Azerbaijani citizen, raising further questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

Moskalik was a prominent figure within the Russian military establishment, having played a key role in planning operations in Ukraine and participating in the Normandy format talks in 2015, making him a recognized figure among Ukrainian officials. Zakharova emphasized that if Ukraine’s involvement is confirmed, it would underscore the “terrorist nature” of the Ukrainian government, which she claims disregards peace initiatives.

The assassination occurs against a backdrop of strained negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that discussions surrounding the “Trump Peace Plan,” which includes recognizing Crimea as Russian and freezing the front lines, were taking place between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Moskalik’s murder, alongside the Ukrainian Security Service’s recent detention of a vessel from Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the Black Sea, has heightened skepticism in Moscow regarding the peace process. This incident marks the second high-profile murder of a Russian general in just four months, following the death of Igor Kirillov in December 2024. Russian officials view such actions as attempts to derail negotiations.

International response to the incident has been relatively muted. President Trump, upon learning of the assassination from journalists during a flight to Rome, referred to it as a “major case” and pledged to investigate the matter further. While the US has not made any official statements regarding Ukraine’s involvement, it continues to prioritize advancing the peace plan. European leaders have condemned the escalation in violence but have not directly implicated Ukraine, opting to await the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Analysts suggested that Moskalik’s assassination demonstrates the capability of Ukrainian forces to operate within Russian territory, signaling to Moscow that Kyiv may be prepared for intensified resistance. However, this development complicates US diplomatic efforts, which Trump has indicated are “close to a deal.”