Mystery Surrounds the Death of Russian Colonel Sergei Shalaginov and Assassination Attempt on General Varpakhovich

Colonel Sergei Shalaginov’s Mysterious Death

A high-ranking former Russian police officer, Colonel Sergei Shalaginov, has been found dead outside a building in Yekaterinburg, reportedly after falling from a window. This incident adds to a series of mysterious deaths of top Russian officials. Local news E1 reported the discovery of his body on Tuesday. Shalaginov held the role of deputy head at the Center for Combating Extremism within Sverdlovsk region’s Internal Affairs Ministry.

With multiple deaths of officials following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there is speculation concerning his demise. Shalaginov’s death shows no direct connection to the conflict. However, varying accounts have emerged regarding the circumstances of his death, reported by Ukrainian and Russian media.

Local outlets differ in their reports. URA.ru alleged a suicide following Shalaginov’s dismissal from his post due to disagreements. In contrast, UA.News noted URA.ru had removed this claim from their site.

A spokesperson for the Sverdlovsk Police Department, Valery Gorelykh, confirmed Shalaginov’s death but refuted any internal conflicts. Gorelykh mentioned Shalaginov declined a recent promotion, labeling his death as “an irreparable loss.”

Media outlets shared images of the scene, showing a blurred body on a sidewalk near a residential building on Shchorsa Street in Yekaterinburg. Sources described Shalaginov as a respected leader committed to supporting his subordinates.

Assassination Attempt on Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich

In a separate development, Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich, associated with an attack on a children’s hospital in Ukraine, was critically injured in a shooting. A shooter drove up to Varpakhovich’s location in the village of Probuzhdenie, Saratov region, and fired at him, resulting in his condition being critical.

The incident marked the third assassination attempt on Russian officers within two weeks. Reports link Varpakhovich to a missile strike on Okhmatdet Children’s Hospital in July 2024, conducted during his command of Russia’s 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division.

The Russian Investigative Committee announced a criminal probe into attempted murder and arms trafficking, linked to “an attempt on the life of a serviceman” in Engels. Pro-war Telegram channels named Varpakhovich, although official identification remains pending. This attack has raised concerns about possible retaliation for actions during the Ukraine conflict.