Alexander Permyakov Sentenced to Life for Car Bomb Attack

A Russian court has sentenced Alexander Permyakov to life in prison for attempting to assassinate nationalist writer Zakhar Prilepin in a May 2023 car bombing that resulted in serious injuries to Prilepin and the death of his driver. Permyakov, who holds dual Russian-Ukrainian citizenship, confessed to the crime, claiming he was following orders from Ukraine's SBU security service and was promised $20,000 for the attack. The SBU has not confirmed its involvement in the incident. Prilepin, a fervent supporter of Russia's military actions in Ukraine, has been targeted alongside other pro-war figures in recent bombings. The case highlights ongoing tensions and violence surrounding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, particularly in relation to high-profile nationalist figures. Prosecutors cited Permyakov's dangerous motivations as grounds for the life sentence in a harsh penal regime.