Russian Submarine Commander Shot Dead While Jogging Possibly Tracked on Running App
A Russian submarine commander was shot and killed while jogging in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar earlier this week, and there are indications that the assailant may have tracked his movements on a popular running app. Stanislav Rzhitsky was reportedly targeted by an unknown person, and the motive for the crime is currently being investigated.
Russian media outlets have reported that Rzhitsky’s killer may have used the Strava app, which is widely used by runners and cyclists, to follow him. Rzhitsky’s jogging and cycling routes were documented on his Strava account, and one of his regular jogging circuits included the park where he was killed. According to Tsargrad, a Russian media outlet, the assailant planned the murder so carefully that the attack was not captured on any CCTV cameras.
The Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence agency disclosed details about Rzhitsky’s killing, stating that he was shot seven times with a Makarov pistol while jogging in a park. The park was deserted due to heavy rain, and there were no witnesses to provide additional information or identify the attacker.
Rzhitsky commanded a Kilo-class submarine of Russia’s Black Sea fleet. The Ukrainian statement and Russian news reports suggest that submarine-launched missile attacks have been responsible for destructive strikes on Ukrainian cities in the past. However, Ukraine’s Strategic Communications department sought to downplay suggestions that they were involved in the attack, stating that Rzhitsky may have been eliminated by his own men for refusing to carry out combat orders.
Rzhitsky’s family has stated that he had sought to leave the Russian armed forces, filing a report for dismissal in December 2021. He had previously helmed a submarine based in Sevastopol. In August 2022, he was finally dismissed and later took a job in the administration of Krasnodar. His parents reported speaking to him the day before he was killed and said he seemed to be in a great mood.
The investigation into Rzhitsky’s death is ongoing, and the Russian Investigative Committee has requested a report on the progress of the case. The war in Ukraine has spilled over into Russia in recent months, with reports of shelling attacks, drone strikes, and incursions on villages. In a separate incident, a senior Russian commander was killed near the Russian-occupied city of Berdiansk in Ukraine.
The death of Lt. Gen. Oleg Tsokov marks the loss of one of Russia’s most experienced generals in the conflict. Reports suggest that he was killed in a strike by British cruise missiles, but this has not been independently verified. Tsokov had addressed a ceremony at the Kremlin in 2021 and expressed his dedication to serving the country.
Amid ongoing turmoil in Russia’s command structure, the loss of generals in combat continues to rise. It is estimated that approximately 10 generals have been lost since the invasion began.