General Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy head of the Main Operational Directorate of Russia’s General Staff, has died in a powerful car bomb explosion in Moscow. The attack, involving a remotely detonated improvised explosive device, highlights ongoing violent escalations targeting senior military figures in the Russian capital amid tense geopolitical developments.
A high-ranking Russian military official, General Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy head of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, has been killed in a powerful bomb explosion in Moscow. The incident occurred at approximately 10:40 a.m. local time near a residential block when the general was passing by a parked vehicle, identified as a Volkswagen Golf.
Footage of the explosion shows the car being obliterated, with the blast reportedly throwing General Moskalik several metres away. Reports indicate that the bomb was a specially constructed improvised explosive device (IED) concealed inside the vehicle. Investigators found traces of striking elements within the IED measuring about 6 mm in diameter. It is believed that the explosive device was detonated remotely, possibly by an observer positioned on the entrance balcony of a neighbouring apartment block.
The car used in the attack did not belong to the general, and there are suggestions that the vehicle may have been strategically parked near the general’s residence to facilitate the assault.
The assassination comes at a sensitive time as Steve Witkoff, a special envoy of former U.S. President Donald Trump, arrived in Moscow to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing conflict.
Russia has experienced similar attacks in recent months. In December, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, who headed Russia’s radiation, chemical and biological defence troops, was killed in a bombing near his apartment in Moscow. That killing was attributed to Ukrainian secret services by several reports.
While Ukraine has claimed responsibility for previous bombings in Moscow, it remains unclear who was behind the assassination of General Moskalik. The incident underscores a continued escalation of violent acts within the Russian capital involving top military personnel.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://kyivindependent.com/high-ranking-russian-general-reportedly-killed-by-car-explosion-near-moscow/ – This article confirms the death of General Yaroslav Moskalik in a car explosion near Moscow and notes that the incident involved a homemade explosive device. It also mentions the opening of a criminal case following the event.
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/04/25/russia-ukraine-zelensky-trump-putin-war-latest-news529/ – This source reports the death of General Yaroslav Moskalik in a car bombing in Moscow and connects it to the arrival of Steve Witkoff, special envoy for Donald Trump, for talks with Vladimir Putin. It highlights the use of a remotely detonated explosive device.
- https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/russias-senior-military-chief-killed-in-moscow-car-explosion/3548407 – This article details the killing of General Yaroslav Moskalik in a car explosion in Moscow, mentioning the explosive device had a force equivalent to more than 300 grams of TNT. It also references similar incidents involving Ukrainian intelligence services.
- https://www.delta-optimist.com/world-news/a-senior-russian-military-officer-has-been-killed-by-a-car-bomb-officials-say-10569438 – This report confirms General Yaroslav Moskalik’s death in a car bomb incident and identifies him as a deputy head of the main operational department in the General Staff of the Russian military.
- https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/04/25/top-russian-general-killed-in-latest-ied-attack-in-the-moscow-region – This source mentions the explosion that killed General Yaroslav Moskalik, describing it as an IED attack in the Moscow region, although it does not provide specific details about the device or its detonation method.
- https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/breaking-russian-general-assassinated-moscow-35109630 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The content appears to be current, referencing an ongoing conflict and recent events. There are no clear indications of being outdated or recycled.
Quotes check
Score:
0
Notes:
There are no direct quotes in the narrative to verify.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Mirror, a well-known news outlet. However, its credibility might vary depending on the specific topic or source material.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The events described are plausible given recent tensions and attacks in Moscow. Lack of clarity on who perpetrated the attack does not necessarily undermine the plausibility of the event itself.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative seems fresh and plausible, although it lacks direct quotes. The source, while generally reliable, might vary in credibility based on context.
