Russia suspects Ukrainian intelligence services of the general's murder.

The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that Ukrainian intelligence services may be involved in the death of General Yaroslav Moskalyk, Deputy Head of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Federation. This was reported by Russian media, citing a statement from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

According to Zakharova, the Ukrainian intelligence services are familiar with Moskalyk due to his participation in the Minsk contact group and the 'Normandy format'.

If the investigation confirms Ukrainian involvement in this case, it will once again demonstrate to the international community the barbaric and unreliable nature of the Kyiv regime, which prioritizes escalating military confrontation with Russia and ignores constructive peaceful initiatives,' Zakharova stated.

The general was killed in an explosion of a car that was parked at the entrance of a building in the city of Balashikha. The explosion killed the general instantly.

Moskalyk held an important position in the Russian army and had a direct impact on the planning of Russia's war against Ukraine. He participated in negotiations in the 'Normandy format' and coordinated the actions of Russian troops in eastern Ukraine.

The death of Moskalyk may be a serious loss for the Russian army, as he was involved in military-diplomatic processes and attended international meetings. Since 2015, he has spoken at international conferences and in 2021 received the rank of lieutenant general.

This death is the second loss of a high-ranking Russian military officer. In 2024, the commander of the troops of radiation, chemical, and biological protection, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, was killed.