Russian Police Officer’s Mysterious Death and General’s Assassination Attempt

Death of Russian Police Colonel

Colonel Sergei Shalaginov, a former senior Russian police officer, was found dead after falling from a window in Yekaterinburg. This incident follows a series of unexplained deaths of Russian officials. Shalaginov had recently resigned from his post as deputy head of the Center for Combating Extremism at Sverdlovsk region’s Internal Affairs Ministry.

Local reports from E1 confirmed his death. The city of Yekaterinburg, located about 800 miles east of Moscow, became the focal point of this tragic event. Newsweek contacted the Sverdlovsk investigative committee seeking further details.

Conflicting Accounts

Russian and Ukrainian media provided differing narratives about Shalaginov’s death. The pro-Russian site URA.ru initially suggested he died by suicide following disagreements with Ministry leadership. This report was later removed from their platform. Meanwhile, Ukrainian media highlighted these discrepancies, noting the intrigue surrounding the deaths of Russian officials.

The Sverdlovsk Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed Shalaginov’s passing but refuted any claims of conflict within the organization. Valery Gorelykh, a spokesperson for the department, indicated that Shalaginov was offered a promotion which he declined, and denied any professional motive linked to his death. Local outlet “KP-Yekaterinburg” noted Shalaginov’s respected status and recent retirement after years of service.

Media images depicted a blurred-out body on the sidewalk of Shchorsa Street, where the incident occurred. Visegrad reported Shalaginov fell from the ninth floor.

Assassination Attempt on Russian General

Coinciding with this incident, Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich was shot in an assassination attempt near Engels, Saratov region. The attack involved a gunman on a motorcycle targeting him at a private residence. Varpakhovich sustained critical injuries.

Although officials have not named the victim, pro-war channels identified him as Varpakhovich. Russia’s Investigative Committee launched a criminal investigation into the attempted murder, citing arms trafficking concerns in Engels.

Kyiv accused Varpakhovich of orchestrating a missile strike on Ukraine’s Okhmatdet Children’s Hospital in 2024, a widely condemned act. Newsweek has reached out to the Russian defense ministry for a statement.