A decorated Russian air force officer who played a key role in the siege of Mariupol has died in a mysterious grenade explosion in southern Russia. Major Zaur Gurtsiev, 34, was killed alongside another individual in the blast that occurred near a residential area in Stavropol on Wednesday night. The incident has prompted a high-level criminal investigation, with authorities considering all possibilities including potential Ukrainian involvement.
Stavropol Mayor Ivan Ulyanchenko confirmed Gurtsiev’s death on Thursday, while regional Governor Vladimir Vladimirov described the explosion as a “tragic accident” that might have been a terrorist attack. The Russian air force major killed in the incident had recently transitioned to civilian government work, having been appointed as Stavropol’s first deputy mayor in September 2024 under a program integrating military veterans into administrative roles. His sudden death has raised serious questions about security for high-profile military figures in Russia.
Before his municipal appointment, Gurtsiev had built an impressive military career. He gained recognition for coordinating Russian air operations during the brutal 2022 siege of Mariupol, where he reportedly improved missile targeting systems. A graduate of the prestigious Budyonny Military Academy, the Russian air force major killed in the explosion had received multiple commendations including the Order of Courage for his service. His combat experience in Ukraine made him part of a growing cohort of officers moving into civilian governance roles.
Security footage circulating on Russian Telegram channels appears to show the moment of explosion, with one man approaching another in a parking lot before the detonation. While officials haven’t confirmed Gurtsiev appears in the video, the timing and location match details of the incident. Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched a probe into both murder and illegal weapons trafficking, with committee head Alexander Bastrykin demanding regular updates on the case.
The death of this Russian air force major killed in suspicious circumstances highlights ongoing security challenges Russia faces, even for its military elite. Coming just months after his transition to civilian life, Gurtsiev’s violent end underscores the persistent dangers facing veterans of the Ukraine conflict. As investigators work to determine whether the blast resulted from an accident, criminal act, or foreign operation, the incident has renewed concerns about threats to Russia’s military leadership both on and off the battlefield. The investigation continues as authorities attempt to piece together the events leading to the fatal explosion.
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