An explosion occurred on Monday morning in the exclusive residential complex “Alye Parussa” (Red Sails) in northwestern Moscow. Telegram channels report that a homemade explosive device detonated in the stairwell.
Preliminary reports indicate that at least four people were injured, with two men losing their lives. 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 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 believed to have been killed in the explosion as well.
Sarkisyan’s statements suggest that his battalion, Arbat, signed a contract with the Russian Defense Ministry in July 2023. In Ukraine, Sarkisyan is being sought for his involvement in “illegal armed groups” and his name is listed on the notorious “Mirotvorets” (Peacekeeper) kill list.
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 investigation has been launched for attempted murder in connection with the incident. If it is found that Ukrainian authorities were behind the violence, the case will be upgraded to a terrorist crime.
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