Assassination of Fanil Sarvarov (2025)

Assassination of Fanil Sarvarov (2025), Russia Federation Armed Forces General Staff Operational Training Directorate Chief Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov’s death on 22 December 2025, when an explosive device placed under his automobile detonated in Moscow.

The automobile used by Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov that exploded on 22 December 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Course of Events

The assassination occurred on Monday, 22 December 2025 in the southern part of the Russian Federation’s capital, Moscow. The explosion took place in an open parking area belonging to a residential complex on Yasenevaya Street in the Orekhovo-Borisovo Yuzhnoye district. The incident occurred in a residential neighborhood surrounded by apartment blocks.

According to the Russian Investigative Committee, the explosive device had been placed beneath Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov’s Kia Sorento. The detonation occurred as Sarvarov was driving his vehicle out of the parking area. The explosion took place at 06:55 Moscow time. The vehicle sustained severe damage, with one of its doors torn off.

The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed that Fanil Sarvarov died from injuries sustained in the explosion.

The automobile used by Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov that exploded on 22 December 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Fanil Sarvarov’s Official Position and Rank

It is known that at the time of his death, Fanil Sarvarov served as the Chief of the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Federation Armed Forces General Staff. Official sources confirmed his military rank as lieutenant general. Sarvarov held this position from 2016 until 2025.

Investigations at the Scene

Following the explosion, the Russian Investigative Committee launched a comprehensive investigation at the scene. According to official statements:

• Forensic, medical and explosive materials examinations were conducted at the scene.
• Witness statements were collected.
• Security camera footage was reviewed.

The Committee reported that technical analyses regarding the nature of the explosion and the device used were ongoing. Authorities announced that a criminal investigation had been initiated under charges of intentional homicide and illegal possession and use of explosives.

The Russian Investigative Committee and security officials stated that one of the possibilities under investigation was the possible involvement of Ukrainian intelligence services. This possibility was presented in official statements as one of the options being examined in the investigation. Ukrainian authorities have made no statement regarding the incident.

The automobile used by Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov that exploded on 22 December 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Previous Similar Attacks

Fanil Sarvarov became the third senior Russian general killed in Moscow since December 2024. Previously:

• In December 2024, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was killed when an explosive device placed under an electric scooter detonated near his residence.
• In April 2025, Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik died in a car bombing attack in Moscow.