Former Ukrainian official injured in car explosion south of Moscow

Moscow -- Russian authorities announced on Friday the opening of a criminal investigation into a car explosion in the Chertanovo district, south of the capital Moscow, which injured former spokesperson for the late Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Zakharchenko. Russian media reported that the Investigative Committee of Russia announced the opening of a criminal case following the car explosion on Kirovohrad Street in the district, noting that investigative teams had begun examining the scene and working to determine the circumstances and causes of the incident. Russian media reports stated that Zakharchenko, 72, was driving the car when the explosion occurred, resulting in his injury and hospitalization for treatment. The reports noted that the explosion caused severe damage to the vehicle, and Russian media indicated he suffered serious injuries, including amputation of his left arm and rib fractures, without any official medical confirmation that he had passed the critical stage so far. Zakharchenko is a figure who worked in media and politics, having served as the press spokesperson for former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, who headed the Ukrainian government from 2010 to 2014 during the presidency of former President Viktor Yanukovych. Russian authorities have not yet announced who is responsible for the explosion or the possible motives behind the incident, and no official Ukrainian position has been issued regarding the event. This incident comes a day after a car explosion in the northwestern Russian city of Saint Petersburg killed a senior Russian officer in a separate incident, prompting authorities to open an investigation, according to Russian officials. (End) ANA / M.A.A.