Mystery explosion claims Russian major behind Mariupol attack
Zaur Gurzijew, a Russian major responsible for the bombing of Mariupol, died under mysterious circumstances in an explosion in Stavropol. Alongside him, a man he arranged to meet via a dating site also died.
What you need to know
- Zaur Gurcijew, a Russian major who led attacks on Mariupol in 2022, died as a result of an explosion in Stavropol.
- Nikita Penkow, the man Gurzijew met, also died. They met through a dating site.
- An investigation is being conducted into a double murder and the illegal possession of explosives.
Reports from Russian sources
Gurcijew's death was reported by the Russian program "Time of Heroes" portal, which offered condolences to his family. Major Zaur Aleksandrovich Gurcijew participated in the first edition of this television format and was the first deputy mayor of the city of Stavropol. The portal notes that Gurcijew "commanded the aerial part of the operation to liberate Mariupol," meaning he was responsible for the severe bombings in the city and the siege of the Azov base. Despite the deaths he caused, he was awarded the Order of Courage and the Order of Military Merit, among other medals from Putin.
How did Major Gurzijew die?
The Russian officer died due to an explosion in Stavropol. He met there with Nikita Penkow, whom he had connected with through a dating site. The two men had previously exchanged photos.
According to "Bild," this meeting might have had a dual purpose. The 34-year-old major might have been deliberately seduced by Penkow to carry out an assassination on him. The German newspaper speculates it might have been a so-called "honnigfalle." In the language of German services, it is a method in which agents gain access to sources by establishing a romantic relationship with their target. During the meeting, he was allegedly recording Gurcijew with a device that contained an explosive.
Was Penkow aware of the danger?
It is unclear whether Nikita Penkow knew about the explosive. Russian media suggest that he might have been part of a larger plot. Penkow, a former policeman, lived near the scene. Investigators did not find bomb-making materials in his apartment.
Authorities' statements
The governor of Stavropol, Vladimir Vladimirov, confirmed that the bodies of both men bore typical signs of an explosion. Authorities suspect that "Nazis from Ukraine" might be behind the attack. The investigation continues, and details have not been officially confirmed.
Source: vremiagierow.ru, "Bild"
