Ukraine: One killed, two injured in car explosion September 8 /update 1

Event

Interior ministry officials reported on Friday, September 8, that one person was killed, and another two injured in a car explosion in central Kiev. All three victims were in the vehicle at the time of the explosion. Local news media reported the identity of the man killed as Timur Makhauri, a Georgian citizen of Chechen origin.  Makhauri was a prominent member of a Chechen volunteer battalion fighting against separatists in the eastern Donbass region. Police are investigating the explosion as a possible targeted killing.

Context

At least two other car bombings in Kiev this year are suspected of targeting persons connected with the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Fighting continues to take place between Ukrainian and separatist forces in eastern Ukraine despite the ceasefire agreement that came into effect on April 1. On June 13, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a report that warned the fighting in eastern Ukraine has escalated in recent months. In accordance with the Minsk protocol (September 2014) and Minsk II (February 2015) a ceasefire has officially been in place for several years in eastern Ukraine (Donbass region) between Russian-backed separatists, who advocate closer ties with Russia, and the Ukrainian government. However, despite these agreements, fighting is regularly reported in the region.

Advice

Individuals in Kiev are advised to avoid the blast site, follow any instructions issued by the local authorities, and report any suspicious objects or activity. ​