MOSCOW — A car bomb killed a Russian general on Monday, the third such killing of a senior military officer in just over a year. Investigators said Ukraine may be behind the attack.

Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, died from his injuries, said Svetlana Petrenko, the spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee, the nation’s top criminal investigation agency. He was 56.

Since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine nearly four years ago, Russian authorities have blamed Kyiv for several assassinations of military officers and public figures in Russia. Ukraine has claimed responsibility for some of them. It has not yet commented on Monday’s death.

Kremlin Response

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that President Vladimir Putin had been immediately informed about the killing of Sarvarov, who fought in Chechnya and had taken part in Moscow’s military campaign in Syria.

Escalating Conflict

The assassination comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain at critical levels, with the conflict approaching its fourth year. The targeted killing of senior military officials represents a significant escalation in the shadow war between the two nations.

Russia’s Investigative Committee, the country’s top criminal investigation agency, has launched a full investigation into the attack. While officials pointed to Ukrainian intelligence services as a possible perpetrator, the investigation is reportedly exploring multiple lines of inquiry.

The killing highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Russian military and political figures despite heightened security measures implemented following previous assassinations. The use of a car bomb suggests sophisticated planning and execution.