Yekaterinburg, Rusia, en.SERU.co.id — The head of a Russian company that produces FPV drones for the military was seriously wounded when his car exploded in a village outside Yekaterinburg, Russian media reported on Wednesday. Vladimir Tkachuk, founder and chief executive of Uraldronzavod, remains in intensive care. His driver was killed in the blast.
According to emergency service sources cited by TASS, Tkachuk was taken to hospital in serious condition.
“Vladimir Tkachuk was injured in a car explosion. He is in intensive care, and doctors are fighting for his life,” the source said.
The explosion occurred on Tuesday in Bolshoy Istok, a settlement on the outskirts of Yekaterinburg. The news outlet Mash, which has sources in law enforcement, reported that investigators believe an explosive device had been placed under Tkachuk’s Mercedes. The driver, who some reports identified as Tkachuk’s bodyguard, died at the scene. Local reports indicated Tkachuk may not have been fully inside the vehicle when the device detonated.
A popular pro-war Telegram channel linked to Tkachuk, known as Povornutye Na Voyne, confirmed an “assassination attempt” had taken place and said he was in intensive care in stable condition. Law enforcement authorities opened a criminal investigation into attempted murder but have otherwise declined to comment publicly.
Read Also:
D4vd Ordered to Stand Trial in Celeste Hernandez Murder Case
Background on the Company and Its Founder
Uraldronzavod, based in Yekaterinburg, manufactures the Upyr family of first person-view drones that Russian forces have used extensively in Ukraine. The company and Tkachuk himself are under sanctions from the United States and the European Union. Tkachuk has previously demonstrated the drones to senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin. He also runs a Telegram channel with hundreds of thousands of subscribers that raises funds and support for the Russian military.
The incident appears to be the second attack in roughly a week targeting figures connected to Russia’s drone industry. Ukrainian officials have not commented on the explosion. Details continue to emerge as the investigation proceeds.
