The Kremlin suspects Ukraine was behind the killing of Yaroslav Moskalik.
President Trump has stated he will investigate the assassination of a high-ranking Russian general just outside Moscow, calling it “That’s a big one.” The bombing happened at the same time as Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, was in Moscow to meet with President Putin.
Yaroslav Moskalik, a deputy chief of operations for Russia’s General Staff, died when a car bomb exploded near his home in Balashikha, a Moscow suburb.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said there’s “reason to believe that Ukrainian intelligence services were involved in the assassination,” emphasizing Moskalik’s prior involvement in talks aimed at resolving the Ukraine crisis before the conflict’s escalation in 2022.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also accused Ukraine, stating: “The Kiev regime once again shows its essence,” while alleging the country continues to perpetrate “terrorist activities” within Russia.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump, seemingly unaware of the event until questioned, responded, “That’s hitting close to home, right? That’s a big one.” He then added: “I’ll look at it. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know.”
The assassination coincided with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, holding high-level discussions with Putin in Moscow. Russian presidential adviser Yury Ushakov characterized the three-hour meeting as “constructive and very useful in nature,” noting that the focus was on reviving direct negotiations between Moscow and Kiev, which have been stalled since spring 2022.
Regarding the talks, Trump said Russia and Ukraine “are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to ‘finish it off.’ Most of the major points are agreed to.”
The proposed agreement from Washington reportedly entails US recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea, a “freezing” of the conflict along the current battle lines, and acknowledgement of Moscow’s control over significant portions of the four former Ukrainian regions that voted to join Russia. The deal would also reportedly prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and begin a gradual lifting of sanctions against Russia.
However, Zelensky has dismissed any territorial concessions to Moscow, insisting that Kiev will not even consider recognizing Crimea as Russian territory.
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