The incident marks the latest in a series of targeted strikes against individuals accused by Ukraine of collaborating with Russian forces.
A Ukrainian car bomb attack on Friday claimed the life of Andriy Korotky, an official at the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
The incident marks the latest in a series of targeted strikes against individuals accused by Ukraine of collaborating with Russian forces.
Korotky, identified by Ukraine’s military intelligence (GUR) as the plant’s “head of physical security,” was killed when a bomb detonated near his vehicle.
The GUR branded Korotky a “war criminal,” accused him of working closely with Russian invaders, sharing information about pro-Ukrainian staff, and participating in the repression of employees at the nuclear site.
Russia-installed authorities in the occupied city of Enerhodar, where the plant is located, confirmed Korotky’s death, describing it as a “terrorist attack” by the “Kyiv regime.”
Yury Chernichuk, the Russian-appointed director of the plant, condemned the killing as a “reckless” act, vowing that those responsible would face consequences.
According to Al Jazeera, Russia’s Investigative Committee, responsible for probing major crimes, reported that an improvised explosive device was planted under a car at the victim's home. The bomb detonated once the vehicle started moving.
“The victim succumbed to his injuries at the hospital,” the committee said, noting that a criminal case has been opened.
Ukraine’s intelligence agency, the GUR, released a low-resolution video showing a white SUV moving slowly before it exploded, destroying the vehicle and scattering debris and smoke.
Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of endangering the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, warning of a potential disaster.
The incident marks the latest in a series of car bombings targeting pro-Russian figures during the ongoing conflict. Several Russian-appointed officials in eastern Ukraine have been targeted as well.
In November, Lieutenant General Oleg Tsokov was reportedly killed near Berdyansk, a Russian-controlled city in Zaporizhzhia. Valery Chaika, deputy head of a state-run agency in Luhansk, was killed by a car bomb in April.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force reported on Friday that Russia launched an overnight drone attack on critical infrastructure, deploying 19 drones.
However, air defences intercepted nine, while seven were likely affected by electronic interference. The fate of the remaining drones was not disclosed.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported damage to an apartment building in the capital but confirmed no casualties. A fire was quickly extinguished.
In the Kirovohrad region, a business building was damaged, with one employee suffering minor injuries, according to Governor Andriy Raykovych.
In the southern Kherson region, Russian forces targeted critical infrastructure, utilities, and 35 private homes, killing one person and injuring four others, said Governor Oleksandr Prokudin.