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Who was Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov and what was his role?
Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov was a high-ranking Russian military officer responsible for Russia's military training. His death in a Moscow car bomb marks a significant escalation in targeted attacks against Russian military leaders, reflecting ongoing covert operations linked to the Ukraine conflict.
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Why was Sarvarov targeted in this attack?
Investigators believe the attack was orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence, aiming to weaken Russia’s military command structure. Such targeted assassinations are part of a broader pattern of efforts to destabilize Russia’s military hierarchy since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
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What is Ukraine's involvement in recent Moscow attacks?
Ukraine has claimed responsibility for several recent attacks on Russian military figures, including the December 2024 killing of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov. Ukrainian authorities have publicly acknowledged their role in some operations, which are seen as acts of resistance against Russian aggression.
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Are targeted assassinations common in the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
Since 2022, there has been a series of targeted killings of Russian military officials, including generals and senior officers. These covert operations aim to weaken Russia’s military leadership and signal Ukraine’s ongoing resistance, making such assassinations a notable feature of the conflict.
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What does this mean for the future of the war?
The escalation in targeted killings suggests the conflict may become more covert and destabilized. It indicates both sides are willing to use asymmetric tactics, which could lead to increased instability and unpredictable developments in the ongoing war.