Russian Drone Factory Director Wounded in Car Bombing Near Yekaterinburg
On Tuesday night, an explosion in Bolshoy Istok, near Yekaterinburg, Russia, left Vladimir Tkachuk, the director of Uraldronzavod, severely injured and his driver dead. The incident took place around 1,400 kilometers from Moscow. State news agencies Tass and RIA Novosti reported that Tkachuk was in critical condition at the hospital, although a subsequent update on his Telegram channel indicated he was stable in emergency care. No comments have been issued by officials. Tkachuk, a small-scale entrepreneur, was instrumental in creating the Upyr drone, which is favored by troops for its jamming resistance. He showcased his designs to President Vladimir Putin in September 2024 during a military drone exhibition in St Petersburg. Tkachuk, who supports Russia's military actions in Ukraine, also manages the Telegram channel 'Obsessed with War,' boasting over 650,000 followers. This attack aligns with a trend of targeted assaults on Russian defense officials.
Key facts
- Vladimir Tkachuk, director of Uraldronzavod, was badly injured and his driver killed in a car explosion.
- The explosion occurred late Tuesday in Bolshoy Istok, outside Yekaterinburg, Russia.
- Tkachuk was hospitalized in grave condition; later reports said he was stable.
- Uraldronzavod manufactures the Upyr drone, a cheap and simple FPV drone.
- Tkachuk presented the Upyr to Vladimir Putin in September 2024 in St Petersburg.
- Tkachuk runs the Telegram channel 'Obsessed with War' with over 650,000 followers.
- The attack follows a series of strikes against Russian defense figures.
- No official comment from authorities has been made.
Entities
Artists
- Vladimir Tkachuk
Institutions
- Uraldronzavod
- Tass
- RIA Novosti
- Telegram
Locations
- Bolshoy Istok
- Yekaterinburg
- Russia
- Moscow
- St Petersburg