Tragedy in Stavropol: Veteran killed in suspected attack
A veteran of the "special military operation" and participant in the regional personnel programme 'Time of Heroes', Zaur Gurciyev, was killed in an explosion. The incident occurred overnight from Wednesday to Thursday in Stavropol, as announced by the governor of the Stavropol Krai, Vladimir Vladimirov.
One of the considered versions is a terrorist attack. According to Russian media, around midnight on 27th May on Chekhov Street, near building 85/19 in Stavropol, an explosion occurred. Witnesses spoke of a man who detonated a grenade.
A participant in the war with Ukraine has died
"According to preliminary findings, there was an explosion. As a result of the incident, two men died. The building did not suffer visible damage, but several cars parked nearby were affected. All city emergency services are working at the scene. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the causes of the incident," reported the city mayor during the night.
Russia points to Ukraine
"With deep sadness, I inform you that our hero has died – a veteran of the SMO (special military operation - a propagandist term used by the Kremlin to describe the war with Ukraine) and participant in the 'Time of Heroes' programme Zaur Aleksandrovich Gurciyev. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. Special and investigative services are working at the scene. Investigative actions are ongoing. All versions are being considered, including the possibility of a terrorist attack involving Ukrainian Nazis," wrote Governor Vladimir Vladimirov.
The "Time of Heroes" programme is an initiative launched by the Kremlin in March 2024 to transform war veterans in Ukraine into a new administrative elite of Russia. The main goal of the programme is the integration of war veterans into civilian power structures, serving both 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 was said to have implemented his own solutions in missile guidance technology, which - allegedly - "significantly increased their accuracy and effectiveness," including during the strike on the Azov supply base.
Assassination near Moscow
On 24th April 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 charge was detonated. The military officer was killed on the spot.
