A retired Russian military commander, who was responsible for airstrikes in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, was killed in an explosion early Thursday in Stavropol, a city in southern Russia, according to local authorities. Zaur Gurtsiev, who was 34 years old, had received several awards for his role in Russia’s attacks on Mariupol and another city, Avdiivka. While officials have not confirmed what caused the explosion, they have not ruled out the possibility that it was related to Ukraine. Videos shared on Russian social media show Gurtsiev and another man standing together in a residential area just before the blast. This incident is part of a larger pattern, as several high-ranking Russian military figures have died in the country since the start of Russia’s significant military actions in Ukraine back in February 2022. For example, in December, a top official in the military’s biological and chemical weapons division, along with his deputy, was killed in an explosion in Moscow, as reported by the Investigative Committee in Russia at that time. More recently, similar events have been occurring.
In April, an explosive device in Moscow claimed the life of a senior Russian general, General-Lieutenant Yaroslav Moskalik, who served as the deputy head of the main operational directorate of the military’s general staff, according to the investigative committee.
Kyiv has, in some instances, has taken responsibility or reveled on the attacks, labeling them as “legitimate targets” in light of Moscow’s three-year offensive that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands. Following Kirillov’s death, Ukrainian security officials have declared that the Security Service of Ukraine carried out a special operation that resulted in the elimination of the individual in question. However, this statement has not been confirmed as of yet. The announcement has brought about increased demands for revenge against Ukrainian leaders from by Russian nationals.
“Zaur Alexandrovich Gurtsiev, a brave hero and experienced veteran of a special military operation, has died,” said Vladimir Vladimirov, the governor of the Stavropol region.
This operation is part of Russia’s ongoing actions in Ukraine. Vladimirov mentioned that “all possibilities are being looked into, including the idea of a terrorist attack by Ukrainian Nazis.” This statement reflects the Russian government’s claim that it is fighting against neo-Nazis in Ukraine. Officials in Stavropol reported that Gurtsiev’s 29-year-old friend also died with him. The “Time of Heroes” is a program by the Kremlin to promote the careers of selected veterans who are meant to become part of Russia’s future leadership.
Gurtsiev served as a deputy mayor in Stavropol. He was in charge of the air attacks on the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which is located by the Black Sea. This city was heavily damaged during Russian airstrikes. Russian forces attacked Mariupol at the beginning of 2022 and placed it under a harsh siege for almost three months, leading to 8,000 deaths, according to Human Rights Watch. This siege included a devastating airstrike on a theatre where civilians were taking shelter.
Ukraine does not comment on secret operations carried out on enemy territory.
