Air Operations Chief from Mariupol Siege Killed in Bombing Incident

A former Russian military officer who led air operations during the siege of Mariupol and later served as deputy mayor of Stavropol was reportedly killed in a bomb explosion during the night, officials announced on Thursday.

Ivan Ulyanchenko, the mayor of Stavropol, confirmed the death of his first deputy, Major Zaur Gurtsiyev, aged 34, who had participated in Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine.

Governor of the Stavropol region, Vladimir Vladimirov, previously stated that Gurtsiyev perished in an “incident overnight,” mentioning that “all avenues are being investigated, including the possibility of a terrorist act perpetrated by Ukrainian Nazis.”

The local division of Russia’s Investigative Committee, which investigates serious crimes, reported that two individuals lost their lives in the blast, identifying the second victim only as a 29-year-old friend of Gurtsiyev. The committee suggested that the acquaintance is suspected of detonating an improvised explosive device.

Law enforcement officials have initiated a criminal investigation into homicide and illegal arms trafficking and noted that the explosion might be categorized as «an act of terrorism.» Alexander Bastrykin, the head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, has instructed regional officials to provide updates on the investigation.

Surveillance footage distributed by Telegram channels associated with Russian law enforcement depicted an explosion occurring when one individual approached another in a parking area. Although the channels identified one of the men as Gurtsiyev, officials have not yet responded to the footage.

According to the Time of Heroes website, a government initiative designed to prepare war veterans for civilian leadership roles, Gurtsiyev managed air operations during the catastrophic siege of the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol. His biography indicates he “adopted top practices in missile guidance technology,” enhancing the precision and effectiveness of strikes.

Human Rights Watch states that at least 8,000 individuals were killed during the Mariupol siege, which spanned from March to May 2022. Following its military takeover of the devastated city, Russia has attempted to rehabilitate homes and infrastructure that its forces damaged or demolished.

Born in Vladikavkaz in 1990, Gurtsiyev joined the Russian Armed Forces in 2007 and graduated from the S. M. Budyonny Military Academy of the Signal Corps in 2012, receiving the Order of Courage among other military decorations.

Gurtsiyev assumed the role of Stavropol’s first deputy mayor in September 2024.