Another Russian General Killed in Ukraine.

Yet Another Loss: Russian Major General Vladimir Zavadsky’s Demise Linked to Friendly Mine Incident

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Major General Vladimir Zavadsky has become the latest casualty, marking the twelfth known death of Russian generals in the region and the seventh officially acknowledged by the Russian authorities.

Contrary to initial reports suggesting Zavadsky’s demise occurred during frontline combat, emerging details indicate a different narrative. Zavadsky, the deputy commander of the 14th Army Corps, reportedly lost his life due to a landmine laid by friendly troops in the rear area, away from the front-line clashes that were previously believed to be the cause.

Even though the Moscow Higher Combined Arms Command School, Zavadsky’s alma mater, initially announced his death on the VKontakte social network, the announcement has been subsequently removed.

Sources within Russia have asserted that the incident occurred at the end of the previous month, with VChK-OGPU, an anti-corruption channel in Russia. According to the channel, the official cause of death is yet to be determined, but there are indications that Ukrainian artillery strikes might be implicated.

This event adds to the grim tally of high-ranking Russian generals who have lost their lives during Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, with Zavadsky becoming the seventh to be officially confirmed. The most senior Russian general confirmed killed in Ukraine thus far is Lieutenant General Oleg Yuryevich Tsokov, who fell victim to a Ukrainian airstrike in Berdyansk in July 2023, employing British Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

While both NATO and Russian forces document mine usage, incidents involving friendly mines are not unheard of, often attributed to potential communication lapses between units. The complexity of the situation underscores the challenges and risks inherent in military operations.