Ukraine claims to be behind the car bomb attack that killed Mikhail Filiponenko, a Russian-appointed MP in Lugansk.
Russian investigators said on November 8 that Mikhail Filiponenko, a Russian-appointed lawmaker from Lugansk province, was killed in a car explosion. "His vehicle was laden with an unidentified explosive device," an investigator said.
Hours after the incident, the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Service (GUR) claimed responsibility, saying it had "carried out a special operation to take down Filiponenko" and warning that it would continue to target Russian-appointed officials.
The scene of Mikhail Filiponenko's car explosion on November 8. Photo: Sputnik
Ukrainian intelligence accused Mr Filiponenko of “torturing civilians and prisoners of war” while serving in the Lugansk militia. Russia has not responded to Ukraine’s claims.
Mikhail Filiponenko was a commander in the separatist militia in Lugansk. Russian media reported that Filiponenko was assassinated on February 21, 2022, days before Moscow launched its military operation in Ukraine.
The head of the Russian-appointed Lugansk government, Leonid Pasechnik, sent his condolences, saying Filiponenko's passing was a heavy loss.
Mr. Mikhail Filiponenko. Photo: Kyiv Post
Russia annexed the four regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in October 2022. Ukraine and many Western countries criticized and affirmed that they did not recognize Russia's annexation. Many politicians and officials appointed by Russia in the annexed regions became targets of car bombs by Ukrainian intelligence.
Ngoc Anh (According to AFP/Reuters )
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