A blast occurred on Monday morning in the exclusive residential complex “Alye Parussa” (Red Sails) in northwestern Moscow, Russia. According to Telegram channels, a homemade explosive device detonated in the stairwell.
Preliminary reports indicate that at least four people were injured, with two men succumbing to their injuries.
Armen Sarkisyan, also known as Armen Gorlowski, was reportedly injured in the blast, according to Interfax news agency. He later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Sarkisyan was the leader of the Boxing Federation of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the founder of a volunteer battalion that fights alongside the Russian army against Ukrainian forces. His bodyguard is also believed to have been killed in the explosion.
Sarkisyan’s battalion, Arbat, signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense in July 2023, according to his statements. In Ukraine, he is wanted for his alleged involvement in “illegal armed groups” and is listed on the notorious “Mirotvorets” (Peacekeeper) hit list.
The Kommersant newspaper reported that the explosive device detonated as Sarkisyan was walking with security personnel in the stairwell.
Initial photos show debris scattered throughout the entrance area.
Russia’s Investigative Committee announced that a criminal case has been launched in connection with the incident, charging attempted murder. If it is established that Ukrainian authorities were behind the violence, the case will be upgraded to a terrorist crime.