A significant explosion shook the elite residential complex "Alye Parusa" on Aviatsionnaya Street, Moscow, on the morning of February 3, 2025. The blast claimed the life of Armen Sarkisyan, the president of the boxing federation of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and founder of the controversial "Arbat" battalion, along with causing injuries to several others, including his bodyguards.
Witnesses reported hearing the explosion at approximately 9:45 AM as Sarkisyan, accompanied by his bodyguards, was descending to the lobby area of the complex. The blast was powerful enough to be felt on upper floors, fracturing windows and damaging the building structure.
According to reports, the explosive device was remotely detonated and likely placed under furniture within the lobby. Investigators suggested it might have been hidden strategically to maximize damage and target Sarkisyan as he exited the lift. Authorities working on the case have implied the possibility of surveillance and planning behind the attack, noting, "The explosion occurred when Sarkisyan was descending to the lobby of the entrance; it was possibly triggered by individuals monitoring him," according to TASS sources.
Armen Sarkisyan, born in 1978, had deep ties to the region's criminal underworld before becoming notable for his military involvement. He established the "Arbat" battalion, which comprised individuals, including convicts, who participated in the conflict following Russia's annexation of Crimea and the war against Ukraine. Reports have emerged linking Sarkisyan to various violent incidents, including the controversial purging of activists during the Euromaidan protests.
From 2014 onward, Sarkisyan had been implicated by Ukrainian authorities and had been listed among those wanted on charges related to organizing violent actions against political dissenters. Given his history, the investigation has led to widespread speculation about both criminal motivations and potential connections to Ukrainian operatives. A source quoted by RT stated, "The investigation has leaned toward the possibility of Ukrainian diversants being behind the assassination attempt on Sarkisyan." This sparked considerable debate over whether the explosion was part of organized criminal activity rooted deep within the conflicts facing the region.
Sarkisyan was not only known for his controversial military involvement; he had been closely tied to various incidents of violence and had maintained connections with prominent criminal figures. He had previously enjoyed recognition, being named the honorary citizen of Gorlovka, Ukraine, acknowledging his contributions to the community amid allegations of his criminal exploits.
Further muddying the waters of his past actions, Sarkisyan faced multiple criminal accusations. Notably, the Ukrainian government had targeted him as part of heightened efforts to prosecute those involved with the criminal elements of the DPR. His reputation was marred with criminal controversies, including alleged involvement with crimes against journalists and issues within his battalion.
Initial details from the aftermath of the blast reveal two of Sarkisyan’s bodyguards, Oleg Kaspovich and Sergey Shkryabatovsky, were among those injured during the explosion. Their conditions were serious, reflecting the chaotic scene as emergency responders rushed to the complex, reinforcing the violent nature of the attack.
With the explosion still under investigation, several sources have pointed toward the preparation involved, noting, "There were individuals involved both in surveillance and the execution of the explosion," hinting at organized efforts behind the attack. The latest developments have raised serious questions about the reasons behind Sarkisyan's assassination. Authorities redirected attention toward the potential crossfire between crime syndicates and involved military factions, establishing the foundation for speculations about blurring lines between the conflict and organized crime.
The repercussions of this incident extend beyond Sarkisyan himself, hinting at broader issues within the current socio-political climate of Russia and Ukraine. With the investigation yielding few clear answers, the motives behind the deadly blast serve not only to fuel speculation over Sarkisyan’s activities but also to highlight the rapidly deteriorative state of safety amid the complex dynamics of war and crime.
Given the explosive backdrop of recent events, observers speculate the investigation could yield even broader findings linked to the criminal underbelly of the conflict, as well as raising significant concerns about the reach and impact of violence spilling over as the war between these factions continues.