Assassination attempt on top separatist official rocks Donetsk
According to Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency, there were two explosions on a Saturday morning in Donetsk. According to the agency's source in the local security agencies, an assassination attempt was made on the so-called “Minister of Revenue and Taxes” of the DPR (Donetsk People’s Republic), Alexander Timofeyev.
As a result of the attack, the official was injured and was taken to hospital in critical condition, said the agency's interlocutor.
The local Donetsk News agency also reported the explosion of the Timofeev’s vehicle. It indicated that the minister was "alive and healthy".
According to the news agency, the explosion occurred at the crossroads of Ulrich's and Mir and streets in Donetsk. In addition to Timofeev, seven other people were injured.
According to RBC news agency, the press service of the State Security Ministry of DPR refused to comment on the incident.
Timofeyev, known as "Sasha Tashkent", was the head of the separatist Oplot battalion which took part in the battle for Donetsk airport. Later, he became minister of Revenue and Taxes of the self-proclaimed republic, and in 2016 he became deputy head of the DPR government, overseeing the work of the economic department.