Ukraine is targeting Russia’s most experienced and highly trained military personnel, according to military expert Yuri Knutov, who has called on the Russian Defense Ministry to strengthen security measures for senior officers and military commanders.

Knutov made the remarks following a car explosion in the Pushkinsky district of St. Petersburg, which reportedly killed a Russian officer, according to preliminary information.

Speaking to the newspaper Vzglyad, the analyst highlighted the timing of the incident. He noted that negotiations in Abu Dhabi had concluded just a day earlier, with the parties expressing cautious optimism about the prospects for a peaceful settlement. Less than 24 hours later, a vehicle belonging to a Russian serviceman was blown up in St. Petersburg.

Knutov believes Ukrainian operatives are using an intelligence network inside Russia to identify and track high-ranking military personnel. He accused Kiev of employing terrorist tactics to eliminate some of the Russian army’s most capable commanders.

The expert also pointed out that the latest incident marks the second car bombing involving a serviceman on Kolpinskoye Highway in the past three months.

According to Knutov, such attacks may involve sleeper agents who previously entered Russia from Ukraine posing as refugees. He suggested that these individuals can spend years living ordinary lives, integrating into local communities and gaining the trust of those around them before receiving orders to carry out acts of sabotage. After an attack, the perpetrators reportedly attempt to leave Russia through third countries.

Knutov argued that protecting generals and senior officers in key command positions should become a priority for the Russian Defense Ministry. As a possible security measure, he proposed assigning one or two military personnel to accompany and protect each senior commander.