Mikhail Shatsky, a leading figure in Russia's missile development sector, was found shot dead in a forest park near Moscow, according to multiple reports on Thursday. Shatsky, who held the position of deputy general designer and head of the software department at the Mars Design Bureau, was instrumental in modernizing cruise missiles such as the Kh-59 and Kh-69-key weapons in Russia's military operations in Ukraine.
The incident occurred in the Kuzminsky Forest Park near Kotelniki in Moscow Oblast. Initial reports from Ukrainian and Russian media suggest the shooting took place on December 10, and video footage circulating online shows police officers arriving at the scene.
Ukrainian media outlets, including the Kyiv Independent, have attributed the assassination to Ukraine's military intelligence agency. An unnamed source within Ukraine's Defense Forces told the outlet that individuals associated with the Russian military-industrial complex, particularly those supporting aggression against Ukraine, are considered "legitimate targets." The claims, however, have not been independently verified.
Journalist Alexander Nevzorov was among the first to report the incident, sharing photographs of the victim on Telegram. He hinted at the involvement of Ukraine's secret service head, Kyrylo Budanov, stating, "Budanov has long arms," and adding, "It seems that none of those guilty of the genocide of Ukrainians will die a natural death."
The Mars Design Bureau, where Shatsky worked, develops critical guidance systems for Russia's military and space sectors. Since 2017, the bureau has operated under Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear energy corporation. Beyond missile modernization, Shatsky was reportedly involved in space research and the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military purposes.
Suspilne, a Ukrainian outlet, reported that Shatsky's death aligns with a broader pattern of targeted actions against Russian military-industrial personnel. Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine's internal affairs ministry, acknowledged the reports of a shooting in Moscow's suburbs, noting that video evidence of emergency services arriving at the scene had surfaced online.
This killing is the latest in a series of mysterious deaths involving prominent figures in Russia's defense and intelligence sectors. In October, Nikita Klenkov, a GRU officer who had recently returned from Ukraine's front line, was fatally shot in his car near Moscow. Earlier this year, Magomed Khandayev, the head of the state examination department for Russia's defense ministry, died unexpectedly at 61, with no cause of death disclosed by state agencies.
While the Kremlin has not officially commented on Shatsky's death, it adds to the growing number of incidents raising questions about the security and stability within Russia's military and defense establishment. The timing is notable, as tensions between Moscow and Kyiv remain high, with ongoing conflict and continued accusations from both sides.
