Russian officer killed in St. Petersburg car bombing identified as member of helicopter regiment accused by Ukraine of war crimes

Sechkov's father confirmed his son's death to the independent Russian outlet Agentstvo, saying he had been "blown up."

A bomb exploded in Sechkov's car as it began moving in southern St. Petersburg on Thursday morning, according to Russian media. Sechkov was killed, while his wife, who was also inside the vehicle, survived and was hospitalized.

Russian outlet Fontanka identified the victim as a lieutenant colonel serving in Russia's Air Force and Air Defense troops. Agentstvo linked Sechkov to the 332nd Separate Guards Helicopter Regiment based on leaked records and other biographical information.

In May 2022, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence accused personnel from the regiment of carrying out missile and bomb strikes against civilians in the Kharkiv region.

Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for Sechkov's death.

Russian investigators have opened a criminal case but have not publicly identified the victim or said who they believe was responsible for the explosion.