Russian Deputy Mayor Killed in Suspected Bombing
Zaur Aleksandrovich Gurtsiev, a Russian deputy mayor and veteran of Moscow’s war in Ukraine, was killed in a suspected bombing in Stavropol, southern Russia, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The 34-year-old died in an early morning explosion caused by a “homemade explosive device,” according to investigators cited by CNN.
Investigation Underway
Russia’s Investigative Committee is inspecting the scene and carrying out investigative actions to establish all the circumstances of the incident.
Stavropol region governor Vladimir Vladimirov said that “all versions are being considered, including the organisation of a terrorist attack” possibly linked to Ukraine.
'Time of Heroes' Program
Gurtsiev rose to prominence through the Kremlin-backed “Time of Heroes” program, launched by President Vladimir Putin to promote war veterans into public office. He led aerial operations during Russia’s siege of Mariupol in 2022 and developed missile targeting technology.
His death comes amid a series of attacks on Russian military figures inside the country.
