A Russian military serviceman, identified as a 53-year-old lieutenant colonel, was killed in a car explosion in the Pushkinsky suburb on the outskirts of St Petersburg on Thursday, August 27, 2026. His wife was injured in the blast, which occurred at approximately 10am local time (07:00 GMT) and completely wrecked the vehicle.

The city’s branch of the Russian Investigative Committee reported the incident, stating that investigators and forensic experts, along with operational services, are currently examining the scene. According to the online Fontanka newspaper, the high-ranking officer died instantly or shortly after the vehicle’s engine started.

This event is the latest in a series of explosions and targeted attacks against military personnel and prominent pro-war figures in Russia, particularly since Moscow launched its special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Such incidents have occurred not only in St Petersburg but also in Moscow.

Sources