Russian war criminal responsible for massacres in Mariupol assasinated
Zaur Gurtsiyev, a Russian military officer implicated in the devastating airstrikes on Mariupol’s civilian population during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has been killed in a grenade explosion in Stavropol, southern Russia. The incident, which also claimed the life of another individual, occurred outside a residential building on Chekhov Street. An unknown assailant approached and threw a grenade, killing both men at the scene.
Gurtsiyev, born and raised in North Ossetia, graduated from the Military Communications Academy in St. Petersburg and began his service in the Russian armed forces in 2007. He rose through the ranks to become a field officer and played a significant role in the aerial bombardment massacres during the invasion of Mariupol.
During the siege of Mariupol, Gurtsiyev coordinated airstrikes that resulted in massive civilian casualties and widespread destruction. Notably, the Mariupol Drama Theater, sheltering hundreds of civilians, was destroyed in an airstrike on 16 March 2022, resulting in up to 1200 civikian deaths. Earlier, on 9 March 2022, a Russian airstrike hit Maternity Hospital No. 3 in Mariupol, killing at least four people and injuring at least sixteen, leading to at least one stillbirth.
Despite international condemnation, Gurtsiyev was lauded by the Russian military establishment and received multiple awards for his role in the armed aggression against Ukraine. In a Kremlin-produced video for the “Time of Heroes” propaganda series, he spoke about the importance of saving lives during war, a statement starkly contrasted by his actions in Mariupol.
Following his military service, Gurtsiyev transitioned into a civilian role and was appointed the first deputy head of the administration of the city of Stavropol. He often boasted about applying his wartime experience to his administrative duties.
Russian authorities are investigating the grenade attack as a potential act of terrorism, with regional governor Vladimir Vladimirov suggesting possible Ukrainian involvement. However, no evidence has been presented to support this claim.
Gurtsiyev's death adds to a growing list of Russian officials and collaborators who have been targeted since the onset of the conflict, reflecting the ongoing tensions and hostilities resulting from Russia's actions in Ukraine.
His demise serves as a reminder of the consequences faced by those who perpetrate war crimes and the enduring impact of their actions on the victims and their communities.
It’s becoming clear that Ukraine’s version of Mossad is going to make Mossad look like the Teletubbies.
