Top Russian Military Intelligence Officer Killed in Moscow Region Drive-By Shooting

Nikita Klenkov, a deputy commander in Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU), was shot dead in Moscow region by an unidentified attacker, reported The Moscow Times on October 16.

Klenkov, held the position of deputy commander in GRU Unit 43292, a training center for Special Operations Forces.

Russian Telegram outlet Astra detailed that Klenkov was shot on the side of a road in Melenki, east of Moscow, with the attacker allegedly firing eight rounds from a passing car.

According to Astra’s source within the GRU, Klenkov had just returned from Ukraine a week ago.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the killing, although the motive behind the attack, including whether it was politically motivated, remains unclear.

Earlier, Russian sabotage nearly caused German plane to crash, reported German intelligence.