Car of former Azarov press secretary Sergei Zavorotny explodes in Moscow, he is in critical condition, per Russian media

In brief

• A car linked to former Azarov press secretary Sergei Zavorotny exploded in Moscow on November 13.
• Russia's Investigative Committee confirmed the blast and that Zavorotny was wounded.
• Russian outlets report serious injuries, including a reported amputation of part of his left arm, but these details are not confirmed by the investigation.
• A US Senate report, cited by The Insider, names Zavorotny as an SVR officer, based partly on an anonymous source.

The blast in Kirovogradskaya Street

A car exploded early on Friday in Moscow, on Kirovogradskaya Street in the Chertanovo district. Russia's Investigative Committee said Zavorotny, 72, was behind the wheel, was wounded and was taken to a city hospital (Car belonging to former Azarov spokesperson explodes in Moscow – media – Ukrinform) (В Следкоме подтвердили, что за рулем взорванного в Москве автомобиля был Сергей Заворотный – TV Rain). Russian Telegram channel SHOT said the device was likely placed under the underbody of the SUV and detonated remotely, with its force estimated at about 300 grams of explosive (Ехал на дачу: новые подробности подрыва в Москве экс-пресс-секретаря Азарова – Charter 97).

Reported injuries

The reports on his condition differ. Mash, citing its own sources, reported that he is on a ventilator and that he has a history of kidney cancer treated in 2009, with a relapse in 2021 (Бывший пресс-секретарь Азарова впал в кому – Charter 97). SHOT described his condition as critical and said he is in intensive care. Ukrainian coverage relays these claims without independent confirmation. Mykola Azarov said he is fine and that he is checking information about the attack on Zavorotny (СМИ: Бывший пресс-секретарь Азарова при взрыве в Москве лишился руки – Charter 97).

Intelligence claims

The Insider also cited an acquaintance who said Zavorotny had worked for the KGB and was a resident in Argentina under journalist cover for Komsomolskaya Pravda (Разведка США называла пропагандиста Заворотного, чью машину взорвали в Москве, офицером СВР. Ранее он был резидентом КГБ в Аргентине – The Insider). The claim about the KGB and Argentina rests on that anonymous acquaintance; no Russian or Ukrainian authority has confirmed it.

Vehicle and background

Leaked database material reviewed by Important Stories, as cited by NV, placed Zavorotny's address on Kirovogradskaya Street and said the blown-up vehicle, a 2020 Toyota Fortuner, was registered to him (Подорванный в Москве бывший пресс-секретарь Азарова оказался офицером российской разведки — СМИ – NV). Earlier career details reported by The Moscow Times include work for Komsomolskaya Pravda in Latin America and a post in the State Duma faction press service, along with a term as Azarov's press secretary from 2010 to 2014. No suspect has been named and the investigation has not reported a motive.