On the night of May 29, a powerful explosion in the Russian city of Stavropol killed former military officer Zaur Gurtsiev, who took part in the assault on Mariupol. The death was confirmed by regional governor Vladimir Vladimirov.
Gurtsiev was a participant in the Kremlin’s “Time of Heroes” project – a program designed to integrate war veterans into local government structures. Following his involvement in the war, he served as deputy mayor of Stavropol.
The explosion occurred near a residential building, killing two men. According to Russian media, a grenade detonation is suspected. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of Ukrainian involvement.
According to the official website of the “Time of Heroes” initiative, Gurtsiev allegedly led the air component of the operation to seize Mariupol and developed missile guidance technologies. The site claims his methods helped increase the accuracy and efficiency of strikes, including an attack on the supply base of the Azov regiment.
Before ending his military career, Gurtsiev headed a command center for the Russian Aerospace Forces and air defense of one of the armies. After returning from the front, he joined Vladimir Putin’s initiative to involve war veterans in civilian administration.
An investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.