Vladimir Tkachuk, the founder of a leading Russian drone manufacturer, was critically injured in a car bombing near Ekaterinburg on Wednesday, August 5.
The device, which had been planted beneath his Mercedes, killed his bodyguard and left Tkachuk in intensive care, according to Russian state media and emergency services.
Tkachuk founded Uraldronzavod, a private defence company established after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The firm produces the Upyr first-person-view “kamikaze” drone used by Russian forces on the battlefield.
He is also behind a prominent pro-war Telegram channel that raises money for the Russian military. Both Tkachuk and his company have been placed under Western sanctions.
Russian authorities have opened an investigation into the bombing, but have not said who they believe was responsible.
The attack is the latest in a series of explosions and assassinations targeting people connected to Russia’s military and defence industry since the war began.
