Early on May 6, an explosion shattered the morning in the Nizhny Novgorod region, targeting the Audi Q7 of writer and politician Zakhar Prilepin. The blast left Prilepin with a serious leg injury, while his driver lost his life at the scene. The Investigative Committee opened a criminal case on terrorism in connection with the incident, invoking Article 205 of the Criminal Code.
Several hours later, law enforcement announced the arrest of a suspect. The detainee was identified as 29-year-old Ukrainian national Alexander Permyakov, who had prior convictions on his record.
During questioning, Permyakov claimed he was recruited by Ukrainian special services in 2018. According to a report shared by a Telegram channel, he admitted that money changed hands in exchange for information provided to one of the intelligence services. He said the final assignment was to obtain a Russian passport and relocate, adding that he arrived in Russia in 2022 with the explicit aim of killing Prilepin and destroying the target. He described the method as a remotely detonated explosive device using two anti-tank mines. He expressed remorse for his actions during the interrogation. The Security Service of Ukraine did not confirm or deny Prilepin’s involvement in the blast.
the weapon and the investigation
According to a Telegram channel, the car was blown up using anti-tank mines with a plastid charge layered on top. Permyakov has claimed responsibility for preparing the setup, though investigators remain skeptical of his detailed account, according to the reporting channel. Authorities conducted searches at several addresses linked to Permyakov and potential accomplices, including sites in the Solnechnogorsk district of the Moscow region and the village of Belomestnoye in the Belgorod region.
Reports indicated that Permyakov had followed Prilepin for several days, finally placing remotely activated mines along the route to the writer’s home. In response, investigators stated that the device was deployed on the road ahead of the car and that Permyakov fled the scene but was stopped by law enforcement as he attempted to leave the forest area in another locality.
suspicion and early details
Police intercepted Permyakov as he prepared to exit the village of Kozlovo, raising suspicions after initial statements appeared inconsistent with the circumstances. A police representative noted that the suspect possessed two passports, one Ukrainian and one Russian. The suspect was taken to a police station for formal processing. Forensic examinations included swabs of the suspect’s hands and clothing, and investigators began identifying additional individuals who may have been involved in the attack. Some media sources have reported that another person may have been detained in connection with the plot.
family reflections and context
Permyakov’s sister described her younger brother as quick-tempered but not inherently malicious. She recalled their shared past at a boarding school in Druzhkovka, in the Donetsk region, and noted that they have spoken infrequently in recent years. She mentioned that Permyakov did not have his own family. His early years included incidents of hooliganism and robbery, yet she characterized him as someone who could be impulsive yet not fundamentally harmful. She added that he had supported the Donbass region and had served in the militia associated with the Donetsk People’s Republic from 2015. After obtaining a Russian passport in 2023, he reportedly told relatives that he worked at a construction site in Moscow.
prilepin’s condition and public updates
On May 6, the writer entered a period of drug-induced sleep to aid recovery after the operation. By May 7, he had been awakened and was reported as conscious and in good spirits by reliable sources citing his press service. His official representatives conveyed that Prilepin was in a hopeful mood and grateful to his supporters. Regional authorities confirmed the positive update, while a national channel noted additional injuries associated with the blast, including a traumatic mine-related wound, lung bruising, and multiple fractures. The public updates reflect cautious optimism about his progress, though medical teams continue to monitor his condition closely.
concluding note
The incident remains under close investigation as authorities pursue leads, corroborate statements, and identify others who may have participated. The evolving case has drawn attention to the broader security situation and the risks faced by public figures in volatile regions. The authorities have stressed that guilt or innocence will be determined through due process and comprehensive forensic review, with all evidence evaluated in the pursuit of a complete and transparent account of what occurred and who was involved. This coverage provides a synthesis of verified details and situational updates as they become available, with attribution to official statements and ongoing investigative reporting.