Press Secretary of Azarov, Whose Car Was Blown Up in Moscow, Was an Officer of Russia's SVR
The US identifies Sergey Zavorotny as an officer of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) involved in influence operations. This is stated in a report by the US Senate Intelligence Committee, as noticed by the Exilenova+ channel.
Zavorotny was mentioned in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US elections.
The authors write that he served as press secretary to Mykola Azarov both during his tenure as Prime Minister of Ukraine and later, when Azarov announced the creation of a "government in exile" from Moscow. Zavorotny is described there as an "SVR officer involved in influence operations."
A footnote to this passage also points out his connection to military unit No. 33949, which the report links to Russian foreign intelligence. Some of the information, including the source of this intelligence, is redacted with black bars in the published version.
It is also noted that Zavorotny appeared in pro-Kremlin media outlets in Russia and frequently promoted the views and priorities of the Russian government.
On November 13, a Toyota Fortuner exploded in Moscow's Chertanovo district. According to the SHOT Telegram channel, the vehicle is registered to Zavorotny. The car exited a courtyard and drove about 200 meters along Kirovogradskaya Street before the explosion took place. The driver survived and was taken to the hospital.