A senior figure in Russia’s drone manufacturing industry was seriously injured and his driver killed after an explosion destroyed their vehicle near Yekaterinburg.
According to the report, published by Reuters on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Vladimir Tkachuk, head of drone manufacturer Uraldronzavod, was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries after an explosive device allegedly planted beneath his Mercedes detonated on Tuesday. His driver, who some reports identified as also serving as a bodyguard, died at the scene.
According to the report, investigators believe the explosion was caused by a bomb hidden under the vehicle. No group has claimed responsibility, and Ukrainian authorities had not commented at the time of publication.
The report noted that Tkachuk oversees production of the “Vampire” first-person-view (FPV) drone, widely used by Russian forces, and also manages a Telegram channel supporting Russia’s military campaign. He had previously demonstrated the drone to President Vladimir Putin and Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev.
The incident follows the reported shooting of another Russian drone developer, Andrei Cherezov, on July 30, and comes as drones continue to play an increasingly significant role in the Russia-Ukraine war.
