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Politics              Exclusive (https://www.the-sun.com/news/) News  (https://www.the-sun.com/news/world-news/) World News   NO SAFE HAVEN  The deadly shadow war unfolding on streets of Russia as Ukraine’s hit squads bring bombs & bullets to Kremlin’s doorstep    Mark Law Hitchings    Published:  06:12, 13 Sep 2026  | Updated:  10:14, 13 Sep 2026    (https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=https://www.the-sun.com)       Add us as a preferred source           (https://x.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.the-sun.com%2Fnews%2F16997683%2Frussia-shadow-war-ukraine-hit-squads-kremlin&text=The%20deadly%20shadow%20war%20in%20Russia%20as%20hit%20squads%20bring%20bombs%20to%20Vlad's%20doorstep) Share on X (Opens in new window) X   (https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.the-sun.com%2Fnews%2F16997683%2Frussia-shadow-war-ukraine-hit-squads-kremlin&t=The%20deadly%20shadow%20war%20in%20Russia%20as%20hit%20squads%20bring%20bombs%20to%20Vlad's%20doorstep) Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook       2 comments 2    A DEADLY shadow war has made its way from the battlefields of Ukraine and onto the streets of Russia.  The Kremlin’s top brass are now in the crosshairs of Ukraine’s hit squads – and Moscow seems unable to protect its own. (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Col-Gen Alexander Chayko [Chaiko])  16     A bombing hit the birthday party of Colonel‑General Aleksandr Chayko, the commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces Credit: East2West   (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Lieutenant-Colonel Sergei Sechkov, 43, who served in the 332nd Separate Guards Red Banner Helicopter Regiment, was killed in a suspected St Petersburg car bombing after being on a “Ukrainian hit list”. His wife left fighting for life in intensive)  16     Lieutenant-Colonel Sergei Sechkov, 43, was killed in a car bombing in Moscow Credit: East2West   Advertisement   (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (RUSSIA-BLAST-MILITARY)  16     A view of the blast scene which killed commander of Russian armed forces’ chemical, biological and radiation defence troops, Igor Kirillov Credit: AFP   (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Lieutenant-Colonel Sergei Sechkov, 43, who served in the 332nd Separate Guards Red Banner Helicopter Regiment, was killed in a suspected St Petersburg car bombing after being on a “Ukrainian hit list”. His wife left fighting for life in intensive)  16     Lieutenant-Colonel Sergei Sechkov, 43, was killed in a St Petersburg car bombing Credit: East2West   As Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich was leaving a supermarket near an airbase in Russia’s Saratov region, a motorcyclist stopped in his path and shot him twice at close range, once in the chest and once in the head.  Days before the assassination, the commander had been charged by Ukrainian prosecutors over a missile strike on a children’s hospital in Kyiv in July 2024, which killed two people and wounded more than 30. Sign up for The US Sun newsletter   Thank you!    (thesuncom) (e45cf58d79)  (/news/16997683/)  (news) () Email address      Please provide a valid email.    (Sign up)   Your info will be used in accordance with our (https://newsprivacy.co.uk/) Privacy Policy   You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email.   (1)      In the past two years, a string of senior Russian military figures have been killed in bomb blasts, shootings, and by booby traps – not in the trenches of Donbas or the command bunkers at Alabuga, but in the suburbs and eateries of Moscow, St Petersburg, and beyond. The hits being carried out by operatives known or assumed to be either agents of Ukraine’s security services or assassins working on their behalf have been following patterns that are, if not predictable, then certainly noticeable. READ MORE   (https://www.the-sun.com/news/16967520/putins-elite-special-forces-troops-russia-avalanche/)   DEADLY DRILL Putin's special forces troops 'wiped out in avalanche during training exercise       Kyiv is killing those it deems responsible for some of the war’s most inhuman and despicable crimes, and revenge is a dish best served on the streets of Russia . Dr Kamil Zwolski, associate professor and Jean Monnet Chair of European Security at the University of Southampton, told The Sun: “Ukraine probably has one of the best-developed, most experienced, and efficient security services in Europe right now. Advertisement   “They are battle tested, they are funded, they are well staffed, and they are good.”  And August was one of the deadliest months on record for the Kremlin. Most read in The US Sun  (https://www.the-sun.com/news/16999910/student-suspended-coffe-outside-food-drink-beaver-falls-ny/) (An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Julie Kaputa being interviewed outside)   GRINDING GEARS High schooler suspended for cup of coffee as parents rage about new policy     (https://www.the-sun.com/news/16999752/charlie-kirk-statue-vandalized-turning-point-assassination-anniversary/) (An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows NINTCHDBPICT001108158362, Image 2 shows Political Activist Charlie Kirk Shot Dead At Utah Valley University)     SICK ACT Charlie Kirk statue vandalized with vile mockery of death days after unveiling     (https://www.the-sun.com/news/16999512/usps-rolls-out-new-everyday-stamps-flat-fee/) (An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows USPS Priority Mail Envelopes on White Countertop)     FRESH LOOK USPS rolls out new 'everyday' stamps in circulation NOW with $16.40 flat-fee     (https://www.the-sun.com/news/16999408/trash-can-fines-enforced-new-york-city/) (An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows A person removing a full blue plastic garbage bag from a gray trash bin)     TRASH TALK Homeowners face $200 fines under new trash law - even if it's put out on time        (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Nikolai Varpakhovich)  16     Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich was shot twice at close range Credit: East2West   (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Russian Aerospace Forces Commander in Chief Alexander Chayko)  16     Aleksandr Chayko’s birthday party in Moscow was bombed Credit: East2West   (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Major-General Valeri Plokhotnyuk)  16     Major-General Valeri Plokhotnyuk was killed in the bombing at the Moscow restaurant Credit: East2West   Advertisement   (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Major-General Valeri Plokhotnyuk)  16     The funeral for Plokhotnyuk, former deputy commander of the 49th Army Credit: East2West   As many as seven targets were taken out by operatives thought to be working for Kyiv – with the hitmen appearing to be returning to firearms for their missions. Dr Zwolski explained: “Ukraine seems to be changing tactics. They used to use bombs on a broader scale.  “Now, they seem to be pivoting towards shooting, so perhaps Russia has become more effective at detecting those explosives.  “Maybe it’s become more difficult to plant them. Or maybe it’s cheaper and more efficient just to try and use freelance shooters. But that’s the kind of dynamic we see at the moment.” Advertisement   In one attack alone, five people were killed when an upscale restaurant in Moscow bombed during a birthday party for Colonel‑General Aleksandr Chayko, the commander-in-chief of Russia’s Aerospace Forces. Chayko survived, but several members of his family died. (https://www.the-sun.com/news/16805934/russian-general-buried-after-restaurant-blast/) Major General Valery Plokhotnyuk was killed instantly , with another general, Igor Yerusalimov, also reported killed.  Ukraine alleged that Chayko had ordered attacks on the village of Teterivske near Kyiv in March of 2022 using aerial bombs, rocket launchers and missiles, destroying dozens of houses and killing at least two civilians. (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Lieutenant-Colonel Sergei Sechkov, 43, who served in the 332nd Separate Guards Red Banner Helicopter Regiment, was killed in a suspected St Petersburg car bombing after being on a “Ukrainian hit list”. His wife left fighting for life in intensive)  16     The aftermath of the attack on Sechkov, who served in the 332nd Separate Guards Red Banner Helicopter Regiment Credit: East2West   Advertisement   (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Russia's senior military chief killed in Moscow car explosion)  16     The car in which senior Russian military officer General Yaroslav Moskalik was killed in April last year Credit: Getty   He was further thought to have been one of the commanders responsible for the (https://www.the-sun.com/news/7763186/inside-bucha-massacre-russia-soldiers-executed-ukrainians/) Bucha massacre , in which as many as 650 civilians were murdered by Russian soldiers, including nine children, many of them tortured. It also appears that Ukrainian agents have long memories when it comes to traitors.  Just 10 days later, on the August 13, in Sevastopol, a bomb hidden in a rubbish bin killed a Russian naval officer, Captain Robert Shageyev, a former Ukrainian submarine commander who had defected to Russia in 2014. Then, on August 27 in St Petersburg, a car bomb killed Major Sergei Sechkov, a Russian Aerospace Forces officer whose unit was accused by Kyiv of deliberately and repeatedly hitting civilian targets in the Slobozhanske region. Advertisement   But it was the killing of General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s chemical, biological and nuclear defence forces, that set the stage for the current campaign.  Kirillov was infamously killed in an explosion after a bomb was hidden in an e-scooter outside his Moscow flat in December 2024.  Ukraine’s security service claimed responsibility for the mission deep behind enemy lines, beginning a new and audacious phase. Both the killing and the admission surprised even seasoned experts. (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (NINTCHDBPICT000958145367)  16     General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s chemical, biological and nuclear defence forces, was killed outside his Moscow flat Credit: AP   Advertisement   (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Commander of the Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defence Forces (NBC) Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov killed in blast in Moscow)  16     The aftermath of the bombing outside Kirillov’s apartment building Credit: EPA   Dr Zwolski, a leading expert on Russian state security policy, said: “One interesting thing is this kind of admittance and attribution.  “Over time, I would say after 2024, Ukraine has become more confident admitting involvement in certain assassinations or attempted assassinations.  “Also how the scale and the scope and the bravery here has increased.” Since Kirillov, the list of victims has been long and bloody, with Kyiv openly claiming responsibility for a slew of killings.  Advertisement   However, before Kirillov, Kyiv had almost universally denied responsibility for hits on Russian soil. When Black Sea Fleet submarine commander Stanislav Rzhitsky was shot dead while jogging in a park, Kyiv responded by releasing detailed information, likely only known by the planners and perpetrator, without admitting guilt.  Before 2024, it is likely the Kyiv government was adhering to “instructions” from the US and allies that they should not undertake military actions inside Russia’s borders. Now, however, the gloves appear to be firmly off.  (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Russian President Vladimir Putin Receives Vietnamese President To Lam)  16     Vladimir Putin during a meeting at the Grand Kremlin Palace Credit: Getty   Advertisement   (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Daily Life In Ukraine 2026)  16     A fire burning at a logistics warehouse on the outskirts of Kyiv after a Russian ballistic missile attack on the capital Credit: Getty   In one of the most notorious slayings, (https://www.the-sun.com/news/7808146/statue-assassin-nine-hour-interrogation-bloggers-death/) military blogger Maxim Fomin was killed by a bomb hidden in a statuette modelled on himself at an “awards ceremony” held in a St Petersburg café.  Dr Zwolski continued: “What is interesting is that the cases where Ukraine takes open responsibility for executions, where those people are not just Russian military leaders, or where they are not just random high profile Russian security officials, but those are the people that Ukraine accuses of gross human rights violations.  “So, the people involved in things like bombing hospitals in Ukraine.  “So, in Ukraine’s perception, that raises the legitimacy of those killings. It’s a moral consequence rather than simply an act of war.” Advertisement   (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Russian military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky in an undisclosed location.)  16     Russian military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky, real name Maxim Fomin, was killed in a bomb blast in St Petersburg Credit: AFP   (Open a slideshow of all 16 article images.) (Darya Trepova, suspected of killing a Russian military blogger, sits behind a glass wall at a court hearing.)  16     Daria Trepova was held by Putin’s FSB after being accused of killing the Russian blogger Credit: Reuters   With the Kremlin turning to organised crime groups to do their bidding in Europe, Ukraine’s agencies are thought to be mirroring the actions of Moscow – turning to independent contractors to undertake the missions in Russia where and when Kyiv’s agents cannot get to their targets.  Although some arrested after killings in both Ukraine and Russia have been innocent dupes, hired to deliver an apparently innocuous package, the bombs themselves require tradecraft and skill.  These shadowy hitmen, known as “torpedoes” or “Mokrushniki” in Russia, will often be former operatives for the security services in the old Soviet sphere, offering their expertise to mobsters, corporations, and foreign governments alike.  Advertisement   Dr Zwolski said: “There is some use of freelancers, that’s for sure. How much are they being paid? “It’s hard to say. Of course, they work with Ukrainian security services, but that increases this kind of deniability, right?  “That makes it easier to deny direct connection to Ukraine… they are paid somewhere between $18,000 and $100,000 to actually plant devices that are then remotely detonated from Ukraine. “That creates this kind of insulation between Ukraine and the actual perpetrators.” What is even more problematic for the Kremlin is keeping a lid on reporting of the killings, with the prevalence of the assassinations on Russian territory seeping into the consciousness of the general public.  Advertisement   It risks undermining confidence in Putin’s ability to win the war against his smaller and comparatively under-funded neighbour. Dr Zwolski said: “It’s difficult for Russia because each case is individual, and freelance contractors are employed, so my prediction is that those kinds of attacks will continue. “Many of them will fail , some of them will be successful, but it’s really hard to say how fast Russia is catching up.” He added: “They are not the same services that Ukraine had in 2014 or even 2022. They have learned a lot. They have been training, they have learned tactics, they have learned from the experience.  RECOMMENDED STORIES        “They are one of the most capable services in Europe at the moment when it comes to wartime intelligence services.” Advertisement   With both sides trading blows in the shadows, the assassination games show no sign of abating, and the streets of Russia’s biggest cities have become the latest front as Ukraine tries to balance the books in a brutal and rapidly escalating war for its very existence.   2 comments 2      Topics (https://www.the-sun.com/topic/ukraine-war/) Ukraine war   (https://www.the-sun.com/where/kremlin/) Kremlin   (https://www.the-sun.com/where/kyiv/) Kyiv   (https://www.the-sun.com/where/ukraine/) Ukraine   (https://www.the-sun.com/who/vladimir-putin/) Vladimir Putin   (https://www.the-sun.com/who/volodymyr-zelensky/) Volodymyr Zelensky            YOU MIGHT LIKE             YOU MIGHT LIKE                                       RECOMMENDED FOR YOU              MORE FOR YOU              MORE FROM THE SUN (https://www.the-sun.com/news/16999910/student-suspended-coffe-outside-food-drink-beaver-falls-ny/) ()      (https://www.the-sun.com/news/16999910/student-suspended-coffe-outside-food-drink-beaver-falls-ny/) GRINDING GEARS High schooler suspended for cup of coffee as parents rage about new policy  THE senior was ultimately suspended, but says the school forgot a key step in the process of adopting the new rule.   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Daria Trepova was held by Putin’s FSB after being accused of killing the Russian blogger Credit: Reuters     You are viewing 1 of 16  images  Previous Image      Next Image                               Follow The Sun (https://www.facebook.com/thesunus/)   (https://twitter.com/thesunus)   (https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va5vBGdHwXbD3YFFqG3m)     Services (https://www.the-sun.com/sign-up-to-the-sun/) Sign Up To The Sun  (https://www.the-sun.com/about-us/) About Us  (https://www.the-sun.com/sun-editorial-standards-policies-ethics/) Editorial Standards, Policies and Ethics  (https://www.the-sun.com/editorial-complaints/) Editorial Complaints  (https://www.the-sun.com/clarifications/) Clarifications  (https://www.the-sun.com/syndication/) News Licensing  (http://www.newsukadvertising.co.uk) Advertising  (https://www.the-sun.com/contact-us/) Contact Us  (https://help.thesun.co.uk/) Help Hub  (https://www.the-sun.com/index/) Topic A-Z  Cookie Settings  (https://mypreferences.thesun.co.uk/) Contact Preferences  (https://jobs.the-sun.com/?source=footer&utm_source=footer&utm_medium=partner_referral) Sun Jobs  (https://www.the-sun.com/shopping/) Shopping  (https://www.the-sun.com/news/15089900/the-sun-exclusive-content-google-preferred-sources/) Follow The Sun in Google’s Top Stories     © NEWS ENTERPRISES, INC. 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