Overview of the Incident Involving Writer Zakhar Prilepin and Associated Personnel
A 27-year-old militia fighter identified as Alexander Shubin, linked to the LPR, died when the car carrying writer Zakhar Prilepin detonated after the vehicle was halted. The report emerged via a Telegram channel known as Puree.
According to the source, Shubin had served as a private in Prilepin’s battalion since 2014, with Prilepin himself having previously held a role as deputy battalion commander. The information also notes that Shubin used the call sign “Evil” and that his name appears on a Ukrainian database used for tracking individuals of interest, Peacemaker.
On May 6, Shubin and a publisher were driving Prilepin’s daughter to Nizhny Novgorod. Upon their return, an explosive device in the vehicle detonated. Shubin died at the scene, while Prilepin was hospitalized in serious condition.
Officials from the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Nizhny Novgorod Region confirmed that the blast killed two drivers and left Prilepin injured. The incident prompted a broader review of the security measures surrounding the convoy and the individuals involved.
Initial statements suggested the explosive device may have been planted during a pause when the convoy stopped at a cafe to eat, a detail that has shaped early investigative leads and public speculation.
Later reports from the Interior Ministry indicated that a suspect connected to a plagiarism offense attributed to the writer was arrested in relation to the case. This development signaled a shift in the investigation as authorities explored a range of possible motives and operational details surrounding the attack.
The unfolding investigation has drawn attention to the safety of public figures in the region, the security of accompanying personnel, and the potential risks faced by individuals connected to controversial or high-profile public figures. Officials stressed the need for a thorough, lawful inquiry to determine the exact circumstances that led to the deadly explosion and to identify all responsible parties.
As the inquiry progresses, observers emphasize the importance of corroborating testimonies, reviewing surveillance footage, and assessing the timeline of events from the moment the convoy departed to the moment the blast occurred. The case continues to develop as investigators gather evidence and coordinate with regional authorities to construct a comprehensive account of what happened and why.
This incident has sparked ongoing discussions about the security of public figures and the protocols governing protective escorts, highlighting concerns about potential threats to individuals associated with controversial or high-profile figures in the region.