Damir Davydov headed Russia’s missile forces. A car bomb reportedly killed him today. Here’s what we know.
Meduza • • world
Key Points:
- A car bomb exploded early June 9 near Moscow, killing a senior Russian defense official as he was driving a BMW X3 in Balashikha’s Aviatorov neighborhood.
- The victim is widely reported by multiple Telegram channels and independent sources as Damir Davydov, head of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (GRAU) of Russia’s Defense Ministry.
- An improvised explosive device with an estimated force of up to 500 grams of TNT was placed under the vehicle, according to independent Russian media.
- Davydov, aged between 57 and 62 according to various sources, had a long career in missile and artillery command roles within Russia’s Defense Ministry.
- Russian authorities confirmed the explosion and launched a criminal investigation but have not officially named the victim, which contrasts with previous cases involving senior military figures.