Attempted Assassination Targets Russian Officer Linked to Bucha Atrocities

A Russian officer accused of involvement in Bucha atrocities was reportedly targeted in an explosion at a military garrison in Russia’s Far East, according to a Russian Telegram-linked outlet. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A man lays flowers to memorial set to pay homage to the civilians buried in the mass grave at Church of St. Andrew and Pyervozvannoho All Saints in the Ukrainian town of Bucha. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google An explosion targeted a senior Russian officer accused of involvement in atrocities in Bucha, according to a report by Russian outlet VChK-OGPU on Tuesday, April 28. The blast reportedly occurred at a military garrison in Knyaze-Volkonskoye-1 in Russia’s Khabarovsk region and was aimed at Colonel Azatbek Omurbekov, who commanded Russian forces in Bucha in 2022 . Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . According to the report, an explosive device was planted in a mailbox inside a residential building. One person was killed and several others injured, while the garrison was placed on alert. The condition of Omurbekov remains unknown. Omurbekov currently heads a training center in Russia’s Eastern Military District. During the early phase of Russia’s full-scale invasion, he commanded the 64th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, which operated in Bucha, where Ukrainian authorities documented mass killings and abuses of civilians. Ukraine’s Security Service has previously identified Omurbekov as a suspect in war crimes. In July 2025, the agency announced in absentia charges against him and other Russian servicemen for their role in the torture of civilians in the Kyiv region. According to investigators, Omurbekov ordered reprisals against residents in occupied settlements, leading to unlawful detention and abuse of civilians. Ukrainian authorities have been collecting evidence to prosecute those responsible for war crimes committed during the occupation. Other Topics of Interest Pressure From All Sides On top of renewed pressure from Belarus, the Hungarian “factor” has once again added to Ukraine’s concerns In September 2025, The Times and The Sunday Times reported that an investigation drawing on independent legal analysis, open-source intelligence, and testimony from Ukrainian law enforcement identified 13 Russian officers and generals involved in or facilitating numerous war crimes during the occupation , including Omurbekov. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.