Russian drone executive critically wounded in car bombing

The device had been planted underneath the vehicle, according to local reports. Tkachuk, who gained prominence for supplying the Russian military with first-person view "Vampire" drones, previously showcased his technology to President Vladimir Putin and Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry Medvedev. Beyond his manufacturing role, he managed a Telegram channel dedicated to military fundraising.

This incident follows the July 30 shooting of Andrei Cherezov, the developer of the "Gadfly" drone, who survived an attack by an unidentified assailant. While Russian authorities have frequently attributed such targeted violence to Ukrainian operations, Kyiv has offered no immediate comment on the Yekaterinburg explosion. The attack coincides with the Kremlin’s broader efforts to formalize its aerial warfare capabilities, specifically the recent appointment of a commander to lead the newly established Unmanned Systems Forces.