Moscow, Aug 5 (dpa/GNA) – Vladimir Tkachuk, the head of Russian drone manufacturer Uraldronzavod, has survived an apparent assassination attempt, authorities said on Wednesday.
Tkachuk’s Telegram channel said the drone boss was seriously injured in a car explosion on Tuesday, but is in stable condition, while his driver was killed.
Russian state media, citing the authorities, reported that an investigation into the attack was under way. The explosion occurred in the town of Bolshoy Istok, near Yekaterinburg, according to media reports. Telegram channels linked to the Kremlin reported, that an explosive device had been placed underneath the vehicle, although the authorities have not officially confirmed that information.
Founded in Yekaterinburg in 2023, Uraldronzavod specializes in the mass production of kamikaze drones. Its Upyr (Vampire) drones have been widely deployed by Russia in its war against Ukraine. They are regarded as relatively inexpensive while still being highly effective.
A statement on Tkachuk’s Telegram channel accused Ukraine of carrying out the attack and vowed retaliation. It also said the incident would have no impact on drone production.
Tkachuk’s company is subject to Western sanctions. His personal details also appear on a Ukrainian website that lists individuals seen as enemies of Ukraine, where an entry states that his car exploded but that he survived.
Russia has seen a series of bomb attacks targeting supporters of the war and senior military figures. Russian authorities have repeatedly accused Ukraine of being behind what investigators describe as terrorist attacks.
At least five people were killed in a bomb explosion at a restaurant in Moscow over the weekend.
GNA