Russian drone factory director injured in car explosion

The director of a Russian drone factory was badly injured in a car explosion late Tuesday, according to Russian state news agencies Tass and RIA Novosti. The incident occurred in Bolshoy Istok, a settlement just outside Yekaterinburg, approximately 1,400 kilometers (about 870 miles) east of Moscow. Vladimir Tkachuk, who heads the Uraldronzavod factory, was hospitalized in grave condition. The agencies did not immediately provide details of the explosion or speculate on who might be responsible, and there was no immediate comment from authorities, as reported by the Associated Press (AP).

Tkachuk, described as a small-scale entrepreneur, assembled a team of engineers that developed the Upyr drone (Russian for "Ghoul") and organized its production near Yekaterinburg, Russia's fourth-largest city and a key industrial hub in the Ural Mountains. The Upyr is a cheap and simple first-person view drone that has been praised by troops for its protection against jamming.

The explosion follows a series of incidents that Russian authorities have attributed to Ukraine, including bombings and other attacks against senior military officials since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. According to AP, the car explosion came after a deadly bombing at an upscale Moscow restaurant on Saturday. The Russian Embassy in Rome blamed Ukraine for that attack, describing it as an attempt to intimidate the Italian community in Russia. In a statement on Monday, the embassy said the attack on the Balzi Rossi restaurant killed five people and injured 19.

The Uraldronzavod factory is part of Russia's growing drone production capabilities, which have become increasingly important in the conflict in Ukraine. The Upyr drone has been used extensively by Russian forces, and its production is seen as a key component of Moscow's military strategy. The attack on Tkachuk, if confirmed to be deliberate, would represent a significant escalation in the targeting of military-industrial figures.

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the car explosion, and investigations are ongoing. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and security concerns within Russia as the war in Ukraine continues. According to Mehr News Agency, the report was based on information from Tass, RIA Novosti, and AP.