Krasnodar, Russia – In a chilling turn of events, Stanislav Rzhitsky, a former Russian Black Sea submarine commander accused of involvement in the 2022 submarine strike on Ukraine, was reportedly assassinated during his morning run in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar, reported Serbian B92.net. The incident has sparked a wave of investigations and raised concerns about the safety of individuals involved in the ongoing conflict.
Rzhitsky, 42, was shot seven times in an empty city park around 6 a.m. on Monday. The assassination took place approximately 145 miles from the Kerch Bridge, which connects mainland Russia to the Crimean Peninsula. The details surrounding Rzhitsky’s murder suggest a deliberate and calculated act.
It is worth noting that Rzhitsky’s personal information, including his home address and picture, had been previously disclosed on the Ukrainian website “Myrotvorets” (meaning “Peacemaker”). The site, known for unofficially listing individuals considered enemies of Ukraine, had covered Rzhitsky’s photo with the word “Liquidated” in red letters. This exposure likely contributed to the ease with which the assailant accessed Rzhitsky’s whereabouts.
Reports suggest that Rzhitsky had also shared details about his morning run route and times on an unidentified mobile application. It is unclear whether this information played a role in enabling the killer to track him. However, the Russian Telegram channel “Baza,” believed to have connections to the country’s security services, speculated that the app could have been used for surveillance purposes.
Ukraine’s defense intelligence agency, GUR, shared information about the assassination, stating that Rzhitsky was shot with a Makarov pistol, resulting in his immediate death. The attack took place in a deserted park during heavy rain, providing no witnesses to provide additional details or identify the perpetrator.
While Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the shooting, it has also not disclosed the source of its information. Meanwhile, Russia’s Investigative Committee announced the arrest of a man in his 60s who was found in possession of a pistol and a silencer. Video footage released by the state investigative authority shows armed individuals breaking into a home and detaining the suspect.
Allegations have emerged from a pro-Ukrainian Telegram channel, reportedly responsible for hundreds of sabotage attacks in Russia, linking Rzhitsky to the submarine-launched strike on the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia in July 2022. The attack claimed the lives of at least 23 individuals, including a 4-year-old girl. The incident underscores the dangerous nature of the ongoing conflict and raises concerns about the targeting of individuals associated with the war in Ukraine.
Reuters investigations have revealed that at least two other individuals listed in the Myrotvorets database have been killed while in Russia since the start of the conflict, further highlighting the alarming trend of violence associated with the war.
As investigations unfold, the assassination of Stanislav Rzhitsky serves as a stark reminder of the heightened tensions and risks faced by individuals involved in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The incident calls for a thorough examination of security measures and a renewed commitment to resolving the conflict through diplomatic means.
