Ukraine Suspects Behind Assassination Of Top Russian Missile Designer

Mikhail Shatsky, a senior Russian official at Mars, a company that designs drones and missiles for Russia’s state-owned nuclear agency Rosatom, was assassinated near Moscow. According to reports from Ukrainian security sources, Ukraine was involved in the operation, which was likely orchestrated by Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, the country’s military intelligence service.

Shatsky’s involvement with Mars, where he worked on modernizing Russia’s Kh-59 and Kh-69 guided aircraft missiles, as well as introducing AI into Russian drones and spacecraft, has raised concerns about the potential threat posed by his expertise to Ukrainian security. “Anybody involved in developing Russia’s military-industrial complex and supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine is a legitimate target,” a security forces source told Hromadske.

The assassination comes at a time when Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, infrastructure, and military assets have been increasing, causing devastating losses to both sides. The Kh-59 and Kh-69 cruise missiles, which Shatsky was involved in modernizing, have also been used by Russia against Ukrainian targets. The use of these advanced missile systems has highlighted the growing importance of AI in modern warfare.

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has denied any involvement in the assassination, but the claim that anyone who develops Russia’s military power “is a legitimate target” for Ukraine suggests a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries. Last year, Ukraine was linked to the death of a pro-war figure in a car bomb explosion in eastern Ukraine, marking one of few instances where Ukrainian officials have commented on such incidents.

The assassination serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides employing increasingly sophisticated tactics. As AI technology continues to play a significant role in modern warfare, it is clear that the stakes will only continue to rise unless a lasting peace agreement can be reached.