Stavropol Official Killed in Bombing: Suspect Found Dead

A powerful explosion rocked Stavropol, Russia, on May 28, 2025, claiming the life of Zaur Gurzhiev, deputy head of the city administration. According to local media and Telegram channels, Gurzhiev was near his home when the explosion occurred. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a man approach Gurzhiev before the blast. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Nikita Penkov, was later found dead, with a homemade bomb containing approximately 300 grams of TNT equivalent in his possession. Investigators are exploring several theories, including whether Penkov acted alone or was part of a larger operation. "The device was extremely powerful, leaving almost no debris," stated an unnamed source close to the investigation. This incident marks another in a series of targeted attacks against Russian officials, highlighting the ongoing instability within the country.