Key facts
- A Russian lieutenant colonel was killed and his wife critically injured in a car explosion in St. Petersburg.
- The incident occurred on August 13 near a supermarket in the Shushary neighborhood.
- Russian authorities are investigating the incident, with the Investigative Committee opening a criminal case.
- The victim's wife was hospitalized in critical condition.
- Ukraine has previously targeted Russian military officials, though has not commented on this incident.
A Russian lieutenant colonel was killed and his wife critically injured when their car exploded in St. Petersburg on August 13, according to Russian media reports. The Fontanka newspaper identified the deceased, while the Mash Telegram channel reported the occupants were a military serviceman and his wife. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. local time near a supermarket in the Shushary neighborhood. Russian authorities confirmed an investigation is underway, with the Investigative Committee opening a criminal case, though they initially described it as a "vehicle fire." Footage circulating on social media showed a cordoned-off street with debris from a destroyed car. Ukraine has previously targeted Russian military officials involved in the invasion, including a similar car bombing on June 9, but has not commented on this latest incident.