Suspected Attacker of Strategic Aviation General Detained in Russia
A 21-year-old Moldovan citizen has been detained in the Astrakhan region, suspected of attempting to assassinate a high-ranking Russian serviceman near Engels. The FSB claims he was promised 70 thousand dollars for the assassination. There is no independent confirmation of this version.
The detention of Nikolai Kochu was reported by the FSB and the Investigative Committee of Russia. According to their version, the man was recruited by a Ukrainian special service through social networks. In March 2026, he allegedly underwent training in Kyiv, and in June, he traveled to Russia through third countries.
The Russian investigation claims that on the morning of September 3, in the village of Prabuzhdeniye, Engels district, Kochu shot the Russian serviceman at least six times. After the attack, he fled on a motorcycle.
Russian authorities have not disclosed the name of the serviceman, stating only that he belongs to the higher command staff of the Ministry of Defense. No images from the scene were published.
Earlier, Telegram channels reported that Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich, commander of the 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division, was the victim of the assassination attempt. There is no official confirmation of this information.
The Russian investigation states that the serviceman survived thanks to timely medical assistance and his life is not in danger.
The case is being investigated under articles on attempted murder and illegal arms trafficking.
The 22nd Aviation Division is based in Engels. Its composition includes a regiment of Tu-95MS strategic bombers, capable of carrying X-101 cruise missiles.
The Ukrainian investigation believes that Varpakhovich gave the order to launch a missile strike on the Kyiv TV tower on March 1, 2022. Five civilians died then, including a 12-year-old girl, and six more people were injured.
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