Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich, one of Russia's top nuclear generals and a close ally of Vladimir Putin, is in critical condition after a suspected Ukrainian assassination attempt outside his home in Saratov, Russia. The 56-year-old was being driven out of his property when a would-be assassin on a motorcycle pulled up next to him and opened fire, according to Kanal 24, a Ukrainian news outlet.
Varpakhovich, who is accused of ordering a deadly missile strike on Kyiv's children's hospital, was hit in the face and chest. His driver reportedly managed to escape, later returning to the scene and calling for an ambulance. The general was flown to Moscow on a medical evacuation flight, and the gunman has not been found.
Who is Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich?
Varpakhovich is said to have ordered an airstrike on Okhmatdyt children's hospital on July 8, 2024. Ukrainian investigators said he ordered the attack, which resulted in a Kh-101 cruise missile killing two people, including a Reuters security guard, and injuring dozens more. Ukraine's Health Ministry said 627 children were receiving treatment at the hospital at the time of the strike, which injured 9 patients.
The European Union has sanctioned Varpakhovich, identifying him as commander of the 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division and citing the division's involvement in the Okhmatdyt strike. The division controls long-range heavy bombers capable of carrying cruise missiles and even nuclear weapons. The fleet is based in Engels-2, near Engels in Saratov Oblast, roughly 700–800 km from Ukraine.
Putin's generals dropping like flies
Varpakhovich is the latest in a line of Russian military brass being individually targeted far from the front lines. Five people were killed and at least 19 wounded in an explosion at a luxury birthday banquet in Moscow. A woman attempted to deliver TNT, disguised as a gift, into Balzi Rossi, but a security guard refused to let her in. The device, filled with metal pellets, was detonated remotely after being presented to security as a 'gift'. The presumed target was Colonel General Aleksandr Chaiko, who was hosting a birthday party for his child. Ukrainian authorities have accused Chaiko of organising massacres in Bucha following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
Chaiko was also the commanding officer of Russian forces participating in the Syrian war on the side of ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad. Russian Navy Captain First Rank Robert Shagiev was killed by a bomb blast on August 13 in Sevastopol. The former commander of Ukraine's submarine Zaporizhzhia was allegedly killed by a Russian national.
Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Sergei Sechkov was killed and his wife was taken to intensive care when an improvised explosive device planted in his car detonated in St Petersburg last week. The 43-year-old lieutenant colonel of the 332nd Independent Guards Red Banner Helicopter Regiment was accused by Kyiv of deliberate missile and bombing strikes on civilian targets. Sechkov's father confirmed his son's death by bluntly telling local media he was 'blown up'. He reportedly told his superiors that he was on a 'list for liquidation' and regularly swept his car for bombs.
Peace in Ukraine?
Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that there is a chance of a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine, while reiterating his accusation that Ukrainian warnings about risks to planes in Russian airspace amount to 'state terrorism.' Putin said a number of countries including the U.S. and China were ready to support a peace settlement. 'Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict – Russia and Ukraine. This is the correct approach. Yet, we are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is,' he said.
