Ex-aide to Ukraine's former PM Azarov hurt in Moscow car bombing; probe underway

A former aide to ex-Ukrainian prime minister Mykola Azarov was seriously injured after a car exploded in southern Moscow on Friday, with Russian investigators opening a criminal case on suspicion of attempted murder. Sergey Zavorotny, who served as Azarov's press secretary, was taken to hospital after the blast on Kirovogradskaya Street in the Chertanovo district, Russia's Investigative Committee confirmed to TASS. He was reported to be in serious condition.

The explosion damaged a vehicle near a building on the street, with footage from the scene showing a dark grey SUV with its windows apparently blown out. Two traffic lanes were closed following the incident, and motorists were advised to take alternative routes.

Russia's Investigative Committee said an investigative team had been sent to the spot and that a probe was underway. The case has been registered under provisions of the Russian Criminal Code relating to attempted murder. The cause of the explosion remains unclear. While some Russian Telegram channels claimed an improvised explosive device had been planted under the vehicle, another account suggested a malfunction in the car's gas equipment.

Azarov told TASS he was trying to establish what had happened to Zavorotny and said he was safe. Azarov served as Ukraine's prime minister from 2010 to 2014 before fleeing to Russia during the protests that led to the ouster of then-president Viktor Yanukovych.

The blast comes a day after a car explosion in St Petersburg killed a Russian serviceman. The incidents add to a series of apparent attacks targeting political and military figures inside Russia. Moscow has previously blamed Ukraine for assassinations of Russian military officials, though Kyiv has not commented on the latest explosions.