Russian colonel killed by a remote-detonated car bomb a day after Ukrainian drones hit a nearby Baltic port

A Russian army colonel was killed in a car bomb blast in St. Petersburg on November 12, according to local outlet Fontanka. This marks the second deadly car bombing targeting a Russian officer in the same neighborhood since August. No one has claimed responsibility for either attack. Since late 2024, bombings and shootings away from the front line have claimed the lives of Russian generals, officers, and collaborators, with Kyiv sometimes claiming responsibility and sometimes leaving details unexplained.

The latest incident occurred early in the morning on Kolpinskoye Highway in Slavyanka, a part of the Shushary district, as the colonel was driving out of a courtyard. He died at the scene, and the device was remotely detonated, according to Russian Telegram channel Astra, which cited Fontanka. Initially, Fontanka reported that a wounded family member was present in the car, but later clarified that a camera showed the colonel driving alone, and the passenger seat was empty.

The explosion also shattered the windows of a passing city bus carrying 30-40 people, but no one was injured. Russia's Investigative Committee opened a murder case, and special services are searching for the individual who planted the device. The colonel's identity has not been disclosed by Russian officials, but he is reported to be the chief navigator of Russia's 6th Air Force and Air Defense Army, as claimed by Russian outlet Lenta.ru.