A car explosion killed a Ukrainian servicemember in Odesa early on Friday, Feb. 6, Ukrainian authorities said, classifying the incident as a terrorist attack.
According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the explosion occurred at around 5 a.m. near a residential building on Akademika Korolyova Street, killing the driver of the vehicle at the scene. The agency said it is working together with the National Police to establish all the circumstances of the blast and identify those responsible.
Local outlet Dumskaya reported that the vehicle, a Toyota, was destroyed by a remotely detonated explosive device. Sources cited by the publication said the victim was a 21-year-old servicemember.
Investigation underway
A forensic and investigative team was deployed to the site shortly after the explosion, authorities said. Law enforcement has not disclosed further operational details, citing the ongoing investigation.
According to information from Dumskaya’s sources, the victim served as a canine handler with Ukraine’s border guard service. Ukrainian authorities have not officially confirmed the servicemember’s unit or role. The outlet reported that the man is survived by a young daughter.
The incident comes amid a series of car explosions in Ukraine that authorities have linked to sabotage and terrorist activity, particularly in cities away from the front line. In recent months, Ukrainian law enforcement has reported multiple cases of vehicles being rigged with explosive devices, some of which targeted military personnel, volunteers or individuals involved in security-related work.