Kiev operative gets accused of Russian general’s assassination

(MENAFN) Russian authorities have charged Ignat Kuzin, a 42-year-old man, for orchestrating a car bomb attack that killed Russian Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik in a Moscow suburb on April 25. Kuzin is accused of committing a terrorist act and unlawfully handling and manufacturing explosives. According to Russia's Investigative Committee, Kuzin confessed to his involvement and has agreed to cooperate during the investigation.

Kuzin, who was detained shortly after the attack, admitted to receiving instructions from the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) in 2023. He was promised $18,000 for his role in the operation. The suspect reportedly moved to Russia in September 2023, awaiting further instructions from his Ukrainian handler.

In late 2024, Kuzin was provided with the target information for Moskalik, the deputy chief of operations for Russia's General Staff. He surveilled Moskalik by renting an apartment in the same building, purchasing a car, and later planting an explosive device near the entrance. Kuzin also set up surveillance cameras and control systems, which he retrieved from a secret stash.

On April 23, Kuzin completed his preparations and then "disappeared from the scene." The bomb was remotely detonated by a Ukrainian special services operative, instantly killing Moskalik with the blast. Investigators confirmed that the bomb, which was packed with shrapnel, caused the general’s immediate death.

Reports indicated that Kuzin was arrested in Turkey. Originally from the Ukrainian city of Sumy, Kuzin held a residence permit in Ukraine at the time of his involvement in the attack.

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