A senior Russian general, Yaroslav Moskalik, was killed in a car bomb attack in Moscow, as confirmed by the Investigative Committee of Russia.

The explosion occurred shortly before a critical meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, underscoring the heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

This attack adds to a troubling pattern of similar incidents, including the assassination of Daria Dugina in August 2022 and the December 2024 killing of Igor Kirillov, which was attributed to Ukrainian security services.

The assassination, reportedly linked to Ukrainian operatives, complicates diplomatic efforts as the Trump administration aims to showcase progress on peace negotiations before Trump's 100th day in office.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, leaving the motives and potential perpetrators unclear, although Ukrainian officials have previously acknowledged similar operations.

Authorities are investigating the explosion, considering possibilities of sabotage or terrorism, as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate tensions within Russia.

In response to the attack, President Putin criticized security agencies for failing to prevent such incidents, emphasizing the need for improved national security measures.

Investigators have begun examining the crime scene, and while video footage shows significant destruction, no suspects have been identified yet.

Kremlin-affiliated media reported that the last registered owner of the vehicle used in the attack was a Ukrainian who had obtained Russian citizenship years prior, although this has not been officially confirmed.

The assassination of Moskalik reflects a concerning trend of targeting Russian military figures, despite such attacks being relatively uncommon in Moscow.

Moscow may attempt to shift blame to the Ukrainian government for the lack of progress in peace negotiations, despite Putin's rejection of a ceasefire proposal laden with extensive conditions.

As this incident unfolds, updates are anticipated, reflecting the ongoing volatility of the situation and its implications for international relations.