Russian drone manufacturer critically injured in car bombing near Ekaterinburg

A bomb under his car seriously wounded Vladimir Tkachuk, the head of a Russian drone company, on August 5 near Ekaterinburg. His driver or bodyguard was killed. Tkachuk was taken to intensive care, where doctors are fighting to save his life.

Tkachuk runs Uraldronzavod, which makes military drones for Russian forces, including a model called the Upyr. He also runs a pro-war Telegram channel with more than 500,000 followers that raises money for Russian soldiers. Western governments have sanctioned him and his company because of their role in the war. Putin visited the factory in 2024.

No one has said who carried out the attack. It is the second attack on a Russian drone figure in a week. A drone developer was shot and wounded on July 30.