Explosion in Stavropol: Hero of Kremlin's veteran program killed
A veteran of the "special military operation" and participant in the regional personnel program 'Time of Heroes', Zaur Gurciyev, was killed in an explosion. The incident occurred overnight from Wednesday to Thursday in Stavropol, announced Vladimir Vladimirov, the governor of Stavropol Krai.
One of the scenarios being considered is a terrorist attack. According to Russian media, around midnight Eastern Time on May 26, on Chekhov Street near building 85/19 in Stavropol, an explosion took place. Witnesses spoke of a man who detonated a grenade.
A participant in the war with Ukraine has died
"According to preliminary data, an explosion occurred near an apartment house in Chekhov Street. As a result of the incident, two men died. The house sustained no damage, several cars were damaged. All city emergency services are currently operating at the site," said the city mayor overnight.
Russia points to Ukraine
Governor Vladimir Vladimirov announced with great sorrow the death of Zaur Aleksandrovich Gurciyev, a veteran involved in the so-called special military operation and a participant in the "Time of Heroes" program. He extended heartfelt condolences to Gurciyev’s family and friends. Authorities, including special and investigative services, are currently at the site, conducting inquiries. According to Vladimirov, all scenarios are being examined, including the potential of a terrorist act carried out by Ukrainian extremists.
The "Time of Heroes" program is an initiative launched by the Kremlin in March 2024 to integrate war veterans from Ukraine into Russia's new administrative elite. The main goal of the program is the integration of war veterans into civilian power structures, aiding their adaptation to life after service and strengthening loyalty to the regime.
According to information published on the "Time of Heroes" project website, Gurciyev led an air operation during the assault on Mariupol. He is said to have implemented his own solutions in missile guidance technology, which—allegedly—"significantly increased their accuracy and effectiveness," especially during the strike on the Azov supply base.
Assassination near Moscow
On April 24, 2025, in the town of Balashikha near Moscow, the deputy head of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russia, Gen. Yaroslav Moskalyk, was killed. A bomb was planted in the car, which was then parked near the general's apartment. As he passed by, the explosive was detonated, resulting in the military officer's immediate death.
