Russian Commander Linked to Civilian Deaths in Hroza Severely Injured in Explosion

A Russian military officer, Captain Konstantin Nagaiiko, known for his involvement in war crimes during Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, has been critically injured in an explosion in Shuya, Ivanovo region, according to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR).

On January 3, an explosion occurred at a Russian military facility where Nagaiiko, a battery commander of the 112th Rocket Brigade, was on duty. The blast inflicted severe shrapnel injuries, including brain trauma, necessitating emergency surgery. Reports suggest his condition remains critical, with limited chances of survival.

Nagaiiko, 29, is accused of orchestrating attacks using Iskander ballistic missiles on civilian and military targets in Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Most notably, his unit carried out a missile strike on a café in Hroza, Kharkiv Oblast, on October 5, 2023, during a memorial gathering. The attack resulted in the deaths of 59 civilians, including an eight-year-old child, and left five others injured.

According to HUR, Nagaiiko was born in Svobodny, Amur region, Russia, and graduated from the Saint Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation and the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy. He played an active role in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.