A leading Russian drone manufacturer has been left fighting for his life after a powerful car bomb exploded beneath his vehicle near Ekaterinburg, marking the latest apparent assassination attempt against figures linked to Moscow's war in Ukraine. Vladimir Tkachuk, founder of private drone maker Uraldronzavod, was rushed to intensive care on Wednesday after the blast destroyed his Mercedes. His bodyguard was killed at the scene, according to Russian state media. Blast Hits Key Figure in Russia's War Machine Russian news agency Tass said doctors were battling to save Tkachuk's life. Images circulating online showed the charred remains of the luxury car, with blood visible on the pavement nearby. Western governments have sanctioned both Tkachuk and his company for supporting Russia's military campaign. The firm manufactures the Upyr, or "Ghoul", a low-cost first-person-view kamikaze drone that has become widely used by Russian forces in Ukraine. From Factory Floor to Kremlin Backing Uraldronzavod emerged after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine as one of several private firms supplying the military with combat drones. In 2024, President Vladimir Putin toured the company's Ekaterinburg factory alongside Tkachuk, underlining its growing importance to Russia's defence industry. Tkachuk also founded the pro-war Telegram channel Obsessed with War, which has amassed more than 500,000 followers and has helped raise money and equipment for Russian troops on the frontline. Another Strike Deep Inside Russia The bombing comes just days after an explosion outside a luxury Moscow restaurant killed five people. Although Russian authorities have not identified the intended target, pro-Kremlin commentators and independent Russian media suggested the attack was aimed at Colonel General Aleksandr Chayko, commander of Russia's aerospace forces. Among those killed was reportedly Chayko's son-in-law, Daniil Peredrya, further fuelling speculation that senior military figures remain under threat. Pressure Mounts on Russian Security Moscow is widely expected to blame Ukraine, although no official accusation has yet been made. Since the war began, Ukrainian intelligence agencies have repeatedly targeted senior Russian military officers and Moscow-installed officials, accusing them of involvement in war crimes. The latest attack underscores Ukraine's continued ability to strike high-profile targets far inside Russian territory. It also raises fresh questions over Russia's internal security as prominent figures connected to the war remain increasingly vulnerable. Head of drone manufacturer critically injured in car bomb in Russia
