A Mercedes car exploded in the settlement of Bolshoi Istok near Yekaterinburg, injuring Vladimir Tkachuk, general director of Uraldronzavod, a manufacturer of FPV drones. The blast occurred while Tkachuk was inside the vehicle, according to TASS, Mash and Kommersant, citing sources in emergency services.
Tkachuk was hospitalized in intensive care in serious condition, and doctors are fighting for his life, the outlets reported. Mash also reported that Tkachuk's driver-guard died in the explosion, though other media did not mention a fatality.
Investigators have opened a criminal case on charges of attempted murder, Kommersant reported. There has been no official confirmation from law enforcement.
Uraldronzavod produces the Upyr FPV drone; last year the company's revenue was about 6 billion rubles. Tkachuk created the Upyr and also founded the pro-war community "Povernutye na voine" ("Obsessed with War") on VKontakte and a Telegram channel of the same name. With money from subscribers, he built a production workshop and bought equipment to assemble the first drones.
Tkachuk previously showed his drone to President Vladimir Putin and took part in a closed meeting with him, Radio Liberty noted. The "Povernutye na voine" channel has not yet commented on the attack.
Sources differ: Mash reports a dead driver-guard, while TASS, E1.RU and Kommersant mention no casualties other than the injured Tkachuk.