The head of a major Russian drone producer was seriously wounded in a car bombing near Ekaterinburg on Wednesday, according to Russian state media reports. Vladimir Tkachuk, founder of Uraldronzavod, was transported to intensive care after explosives detonated beneath his Mercedes, with emergency services confirming his critical condition. His bodyguard was killed in the explosion, and photographs on social media documented the charred vehicle remains and blood at the scene.
Uraldronzavod emerged as one of several private drone manufacturers operating in Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The company has gained recognition for producing the Upyr, a low-cost kamikaze drone utilizing 3D-printing technology at its Ekaterinburg facility. Russian forces have employed the Upyr extensively in operations within Ukraine. The enterprise has faced economic sanctions from Western nations due to its involvement in supporting Russia’s military campaign. Tkachuk received a factory tour from Putin in 2024 during an official visit.
Tkachuk also established Obsessed with War, a prominent pro-war social media channel with more than 500,000 followers used for fundraising and military equipment procurement benefiting Russian soldiers. The bombing represents the latest in a documented pattern of attacks targeting individuals connected to Russia’s military operations and war effort.
The incident follows a recent explosion outside a Moscow restaurant that claimed five lives. Pro-Kremlin commentators and independent Russian media outlets have suggested the restaurant attack targeted Col Gen Aleksandr Chayko, commander of Russia’s aerospace forces, who was reportedly present at a birthday celebration. Government records indicated Chayko’s son-in-law was among those killed in that incident.
Ukraine’s intelligence services have conducted numerous operations against senior Russian military personnel and Russian-appointed officials since the invasion began, citing war crime accusations. Ukrainian services have previously utilized vehicle-mounted explosives detonated remotely in operations within Russian territory. The latest bombing underscores Ukraine’s continuing operational capacity within Russia and may prompt increased examination of Russia’s security measures and protective capabilities for government and military figures.
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