Russia: Bomb placed underneath car explodes west of Moscow late Aug. 20, killing the occupant.

Event

An explosion on the western outskirts of Moscow killed at least one person late Aug. 20. According to reports, an explosive device was placed under the vehicle, and it detonated while the vehicle was driving along the Mozhayskoye Highway near the village of Bolshiye Vyazemy. The victim was Darya Dugina, daughter of high-profile Russian nationalist and political philosopher Aleksandr Dugin. He was likely the target of the attack, as he was due to travel with his daughter in the vehicle that exploded, but took another vehicle instead. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attack.

Given the close ties of Dugin with the Kremlin, police will almost certainly launch a vigorous investigation into the incident, and may increase security measures in and around Moscow in the coming days. Such measures may include security checks at public transport nodes, roadblocks, vehicle checks, and other related measures.

Context

Dugin has ties to the political elite in Moscow, including President Vladimir Putin. Dugin was strongly supportive of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Both he and his daughter had been sanctioned by the UK and US governments for seeking to destabilize Ukraine.

Advice

Monitor local developments closely. Carry proper identification and travel documents at all times. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if stopped by security personnel. Maintain contact with diplomatic missions. Do not discuss politically sensitive issues, such as the conflict in Ukraine.