A Kremlin-installed official has survived an assassination attempt in Ukraine. Nikolai Volyk, the deputy head of Melitopol, a city in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region, was leaving his home on Tuesday morning when an improvised explosive device detonated. Volyk narrowly escaped the blast with Russian sources claiming he emerged unscathed and no other civilians were harmed.
Vladimir Rogov, a member of the Russian-installed council in Zaporizhzhia, told RIA Novosti: “The assassination attempt took place early yesterday morning, when [Volyk] was leaving the house, from his entrance.
“It was an improvised explosive device, one of those used by Zelensky’s terrorists. It was filled with damaging elements.”
He added: “Only by a happy accident, neither he nor the residents were injured.”
Rogov suggested “preliminary estimates” had indicated the explosive device was about 2.5 kilograms in TNT equivalent.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Russian Telegram channel Baza, reported that explosives had been set up on a lamp post located just eight metres from the official’s home.
The account claimed: “Investigators have already established the IED was installed on a street lighting electric pole at the height of about one metre and was stuffed with projectiles.”
Baza added: “According to investigators, the IED was detonated remotely: 50 metres from the explosion site, two filtered cigarette butts were found.”
The Telegram account echoed Rogov’s claim that Volyk escaped unharmed, noting that only his jacket was damaged by the explosion.
Read more: Lukashenko facing security headache as Belarus HQ 'vulnerable'
Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the apparent assassination plot, but it is not the first time Melitopol’s Russian-installed authorities have come under attack.
On November 11, the city’s Kremlin-imposed Deputy Minister of Sports Andriy Boyko was injured in an explosion close to his home.
Rogov reported: “A directed explosion was carried out with the aim of killing him.”
RIA Novosti reported the Russian official received only “minor injuries” after the bomb, planted in a storm drain, detonated near the entrance to his house.
Don't miss:
Russia on high alert as air raid siren activated at key airfield [REVEAL]
Drone strikes inside Russia ramp up week after NATO member raised idea [REPORT]
Rishi Sunak hails gas deal with US which will 'slash prices' [INSIGHT]
Ivan Fedorov, who has been Mayor of Melitopol since 2020, reacted to news of the explosion with a message on Telegram.
He wrote: “Mykola Volyk got off on the wrong foot. Before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, he headed the local branch of the Socialist Party and was a deputy of the Melitopol District Council.
“After the occupation of Melitopol, he became an active henchman of local Gauleiters.
“At 6 o'clock in the morning there was a noise at the entrance of the traitor. Ambulances immediately arrived at the scene of the explosion.”
He described the reported assassination attempt as “the roasting of another collaborator”.
Read next:
Boots shoppers can get ‘brilliant’ Soap & Glory gift set for under £5
Vladimir Putin plans ‘necessary’ measures after Ukraine drone strike
Ukrainian ‘Angels’ save POWs from Russian clutches
Zelensky visits troops near frontline as missile attacks continue
Putin braces for mutiny as hundreds of Russian soldiers defy orders
