Zaur Aleksandrovich Gurtsiev, a 34-year-old Russian deputy mayor and veteran of the Ukraine war, was killed in a blast in Stavropol, southern Russia. Another man also died in the explosion, which investigators believe involved a homemade explosive device. Authorities are investigating, considering various scenarios including a possible terrorist attack linked to Ukraine. Gurtsiev participated in the "Time of Heroes" program, promoting war veterans to government roles, and played a significant part in the siege of Mariupol. His death follows other killings of Russian military figures within Russia over the past year.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.