An assassination attempt occurred in Tula against Andriy Cherezev, the director of a drone manufacturing company. According to reports from Mash, Cherezev was ambushed in the stairwell of his apartment building on Mikhayev Street late at night, where a gunman fired three shots at him on the fourth-floor landing. His wife heard the commotion, opened the door, and upon finding her husband injured, promptly called for an ambulance. Cherezev was hospitalized, and authorities have launched a search for the assailant.
The company that Cherezev leads was established in 2022 for “scientific research and development in the fields of natural and technical sciences.” Recently, it secured contracts to supply unmanned aerial systems to the Voronezh State Technical University for scientific projects. The firm successfully won two auctions with a total contract amount of 29.7 million rubles, under which they were to deliver 337 multi-rotor drone kits and 17 control sets, although the specifics of the intended scientific work were not detailed.
Russian state media outlet REN TV reported, citing the regional Investigative Committee, that a criminal case has been opened regarding the attempted murder of the entrepreneur. They later clarified that the target of the assassination was Andriy Cherezev.
Additionally, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry revealed that Cherezev’s company is a producer of FPV drones named “Ovod,” which Russian military forces are reportedly using in their ongoing conflict against Ukraine. The company also develops relay systems that allow for remote control of drones from distances of up to 50 meters, ensuring safe operation from cover. The “Ovod” drones are capable of carrying fragmentation and high-explosive munitions, equipped with guidance systems. As a result of its activities, the company has been sanctioned by Ukraine, the United States, and the European Union.
