On the night of May 28 to 29, in the city of Stavropol, in northwestern Russia, a mysterious and tragic event took place—a blast that claimed the life of the deputy mayor, known for his military adventures in Ukraine on the side of Russian occupation forces
This incident alarmed the local community and raised numerous questions about the circumstances and possible motives behind such an event. According to official information released by the governor of Stavropol Krai on his Telegram channel, the tragedy occurred near Chekhov Street, and the death of Zaur Gurtziev was confirmed by investigators and law enforcement agencies. The governor stated in his declaration: "As a result of the nighttime incident, veteran of the Special Operation, participant of the 'Heroes' Time' program Zaur Aleksandrovich Gurtziev, died," the message reads. "Investigators, competent authorities, and security services are working at the scene, and investigative actions are ongoing to establish the circumstances." Another significant aspect is the version raised about a possible "Ukrainian trail" in the commission of this act of sabotage. Although this official version has not yet been confirmed, it raises concerns and intensifies suspicions of potential political motives behind this extraordinary situation. The possibility of provocations aimed at destabilizing the region or intimidating those connected with military operations on Ukrainian territory is also not ruled out. Regarding Gurtziev himself, it is known that in September 2024 he was appointed First Deputy Head of Stavropol city. He was a veteran of the Special Military Operation ongoing on Ukrainian soil and, according to sources, actively participated in combat as part of Russian military formations. His active military career and experience made him a prominent figure in regional circles, yet simultaneously exemplify the value placed by local authorities on new "heroes" of Russia with combat experience abroad. The death of the deputy mayor in such an enigmatic way has sparked numerous discussions and assumptions among civil and political circles in the region. At the same time, this tragedy deepens the understanding of how closely intertwined military operations, politics, and the personal fates of their participants are within Russia. Rumors about this incident are already circulating, and official sources continue to investigate all circumstances to answer the questions: who and with what purpose stood behind this incident? What will be the next step in this profound and complex story, which is already leaving its mark on the region’s history and poses one of the challenges for justice and stability in Stavropol Krai?