A decorated Russian general killed earlier this week could have been blown up on a mine another Russian unit placed, it has been claimed.
Maj. Gen. Vladimir Zavadsky, 45, was confirmed dead in a social media post from the Moscow Higher Combined Arms Command School which he graduated from in 2000.
Telegram channel VChk-OGPU, which claims to have close ties to Russian security services, claimed Zavadsky was not a victim of enemy fire but rather of a blunder during his unit’s “senseless” relocation away from the frontline in Ukraine.
Citing an unnamed source, the channel reported: “The investigation is considering the possibility of an explosion on a mine, which had been previously placed by a neighbouring unit for the purpose of combating the enemy’s [sabotage and reconnaissance unit].”
The channel also alleged that Moscow has been trying to cover up the circumstances of Zavadsky’s death and blame Ukrainian artillery fire.
Daily Express US has not been able to independently verify the claim.
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to Daily Express US
READ MORE: Royal Navy taskforce set to protect vital undersea cables from Russia
Zavadsky is at least the 12th Russian general to have lost his life since Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Ukraine has claimed 16 high-ranking Russian officers have been killed by its defence forces while Moscow has only admitted to losing six.
The Major General served as the deputy commander of the 14th Army Corps and previously led a motorized rifle battalion, platoon and company.
Zavadsky served for over 20 years and was awarded a medal for bravery. He is survived by his wife Oksana and their two sons.
In 2022, the Major-General operated in the Kharkiv region during the early stages of Ukraine’s counteroffensive.
DON’T MISS:
Terrified Vladimir Putin stockpiling missiles as he brews winter attack[ANALYSIS]
Vladimir Putin demands Russian women have ‘eight more children'[COMMENT]
Experts predict exact date Putin will make his next presidential move[INSIGHT]
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
After nearly two years, fighting between Russia and Ukraine has bogged down, with neither able to make significant gains.
Ukrainian officials said recently that Russian forces have ramped up attacks in eastern Ukraine in an attempt to gain ground near Avdiivka and around Bakhmut.
Avdiivka has witnessed fierce battles in recent months as it is a gateway to parts of the Donetsk region still under Ukrainian control.
The Ukrainian General Staff said Sunday morning that Kyiv’s forces beat back Russian assaults to the northeast, west and southwest of Avdiivka over the previous 24 hours, as Moscow’s troops strain to encircle the city.
Source: Read Full Article