In the exclusive residential complex “Alye Parussa” (Red Sails) in the northwest of Moscow, a severe explosion occurred on Monday morning. According to initial reports, at least four people were injured and two men lost their lives.
Social media channels, including Telegram, reported that a homemade explosive device detonated in the stairwell.
According to Interfax, Armen Sarkisyan, also known as Armen Gorlowski, was among the injured. He later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Sarkisyan was the leader of the Box Federation of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the founder of a volunteer battalion that fought alongside the Russian army against Ukrainian forces. His bodyguard was also reportedly killed in the explosion.
Sarkisyan’s battalion, Arbat, signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry in July 2023. In Ukraine, Sarkisyan is wanted for his involvement in “illegal armed groups” and his name is on the notorious “Mirotvorets” (Peacekeeper) hit list, a screenshot of which is shown below.
According to Kommersant, the explosive device detonated when Sarkisyan was in the stairwell with security personnel.
Initial images 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 found that Ukrainian authorities were behind the violent act, the case will be upgraded to a terrorist crime.