Russian General Accused of Children's Hospital Strike Wounded in Assassination Attempt

Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich, commander of the 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division, was seriously wounded in an assassination attempt in the Saratov region of Russia. The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case regarding the attempted murder of the military service member. Reports from Russian Telegram channels indicate the attack occurred on the morning of September 3 in the village of Probuzhdenie, near the city of Engels. An attacker on a motorcycle allegedly fired two shots at Varpakhovich with a pistol, striking him in the head and abdomen. His driver was also wounded. Varpakhovich was hospitalized and subsequently prepared for transport to Moscow for treatment.

Ukraine has recently targeted Varpakhovich for legal action. The Security Service of Ukraine and the Prosecutor General's Office named him a suspect in absentia, charging him with war crimes. Ukrainian investigators believe he personally ordered a missile strike on Kyiv's Okhmatdyt children's hospital on July 8, 2024. The strike damaged several departments, including intensive care and oncology units. While one source states two people were killed, another reports three deaths, including a child who died days after being wounded. The hospital had been evacuated of hundreds of patients and staff, though some remained during the strike.

Engels serves as the home base for Russia's strategic bombers, including the Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft used for long-range cruise missiles. This incident follows a pattern of high-profile military officials being targeted in Russia. Previous targets include General Igor Kirillov, Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, and militia founder Armen Sarkisyan. While Moscow has blamed Ukraine for these killings, Kyiv has not officially acknowledged involvement.