Wave of assassinations targeting top Russian military officials has stirred up internal strife within country's security machinery. June 9,car bomb in Balashikha took life of Lt. Gen. Damir Davydov, a crucial figure in Russian Defense Ministry overseeing missile and artillery supplies for Ukraine conflict . Second high-profile hit in area in just over a year. Last was Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik in April 2025.
Recent attacks show troubling trend: at least 15 Russian generals dead since full-scale Ukraine invasion February 2022. Includes five lieutenant generals,seven major generals,three retired. Assassinations through various means — drone strikes,car bombs,even accidents. Military leaders clearly in precarious spot.
FSB and military tensions rising. FSB,Russia's domestic security service,has long held upper hand over armed forces. Goes back to Soviet era . Now military wants more protection from FSB,but FSB doesn't want responsibility. Points to deeper Kremlin power struggle.
European intelligence sources say war has upped military's battlefield role,yet Moscow's political elite still wary of generals. Kremlin needs military leadership for war efforts but fears their influence. Trust issues run deep. Military seen as potential challengers to political authority.
Notable losses: Lt. Gen. Oleg Tsokov, killed by missile July 2023,Maj. Gen. Sergei Goryachev,died during Ukraine's counteroffensive June 2023. Others died in Russian-controlled areas or Russia itself, like Lt. Gen . Alexander Otroshchenko, plane crash over Crimea.
Experts say FSB's reluctance to protect military leaders comes from view that agency is bigger threat than Ukrainians. Kremlin's historical fear of popular military figures keeps leaders politically weak, sidelined from decisions.
As elections near in September, Kremlin under pressure. Analysts warn if public support for Putin's United Russia party keeps dropping, credible election results become tricky. Potential disbelief in official outcomes a fresh challenge for Kremlin,which banks on illusion of broad support.
Kremlin's military protection handling, ongoing assassinations could ripple through military morale,stability of Putin's regime. Internal rifts within Russia's security framework… power dynamics shifting as Ukraine conflict drags on.
