Russian Commander Severely Injured in Explosion

Ukrainian military intelligence has reported that Captain Konstantin Nagayko, a Russian missile commander implicated in a deadly October 2023 strike on a café in Hroza that killed 59 civilians, is in critical condition following an explosion at his military unit in Shuya, Ivanovo region. The explosion, which occurred on January 3, 2025, left Nagayko with severe shrapnel wounds, including brain trauma requiring emergency surgery. His unit, the 112th Missile Brigade of the 1st Tank Army, has faced scrutiny over its involvement in war crimes against Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. Nagayko's participation in missile strikes against civilian targets in Ukraine has drawn international condemnation. The Russian Defense Ministry has reported that its air defenses intercepted numerous drones in response to Ukraine's ongoing offensive efforts, including recent attacks on strategic locations. Nagayko's critical condition has raised concerns within his unit about his chances of survival, with many anticipating repercussions for the alleged war crimes committed.