Armen Sarkisyan, the head of the Boxing Federation of the “Donetsk People’s Republic” (DPR), has died after an explosion in a residential complex in northwest Moscow at the Alye Parusa residential building early Monday. Sarkisyan’s bodyguard died at the scene, and three others were injured. Russian authorities have opened a criminal investigation, according to Russia’s News Agency TASS.
The explosion happened in the lobby of the high-rise complex. Emergency services and investigators arrived quickly.
Sarkisyan was taken to intensive care in serious condition and prepared for surgery. Later, the Russian Investigative Committee confirmed his death in a statement.
Authorities are treating the attack as an assassination. Investigators believe the explosion was carefully planned and are working to identify those responsible.
The Russian Criminal Code’s articles on attempted murder of two or more people, murder by a common dangerous means, and illegal weapons trafficking have all been the subject of a criminal prosecution, TASS added. Law enforcement is examining CCTV footage and questioning witnesses to trace the perpetrators.
According to emergency service sources, the explosion was caused by an unidentified explosive device. The blast had enough force to cause significant structural damage in the lobby. Forensic teams are analyzing debris to determine the exact type of device used.
Sarkisyan was a pro-Russian figure in the Donetsk People’s Republic, Eastern Ukraine. His role in DPR boxing made him influential in Moscow. He was known for his connections with both political and military figures in the region. His death raises questions about internal conflicts and security in the Russian capital.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions in Russia, with multiple targeted attacks having occurred in recent months. Some experts suggest the possibility of a political motive, while others consider it part of a broader power struggle within Russian-controlled territories.
Investigators are looking into whether Sarkisyan had had recent disputes or received threats that could be linked to his killing.