Ukrainian services' 'long arm' strikes again in Russia's heart

A powerful explosion rocked the "Aviators" district in Balashikha, a suburb of Moscow known for its high-ranking Russian military residents, early Tuesday morning. The blast occurred shortly after a man started his BMW X3, according to witnesses. Passersby attempted to rescue the driver from the burning vehicle, but he was pronounced dead upon the ambulance's arrival.

Amateur videos circulating on Russian social media appear to show the car exploding while in motion, suggesting a targeted car bombing. The incident has generated significant attention, even in official media, despite attempts to downplay it as a potential personal dispute, which are not uncommon in major Russian cities.

Authorities have launched a criminal investigation, though the specific charges remain unspecified. The scene saw a substantial deployment of agents from the FSB and the Investigative Committee, Russia's special prosecutor's office for serious crimes, a response that seems disproportionate for a mere settling of scores. The victim has been referred to only as "the man" or "the driver" in official dispatches, a stark contrast to the visible investigative efforts.