Former Head of Occupational Administration Pilavov Blown Up in Luhansk

An unidentified explosive device detonated in the center of Luhansk, killing Manolis Pilavov, a high-ranking collaborator.

Invasion authorities previously appointed Manolis Pilavov to the position of the so-called “head of the Luhansk city administration”.

The Russian federal news agency TASS confirmed the explosion and Pilavov’s death.

He headed the occupation administration from 2014 to 2023.

According to Russian media, the explosion occurred on Taras Shevchenko Street. It is reported that the explosive device was detonated at the moment when Pilavov was passing by.

As of 1 pm, the invasion administration reported one dead and three wounded as a result of the explosion. One of the victims is in serious condition.

According to preliminary data, the explosive device was placed in a trash can.

Sources in the SSU told Suspilne that it was the Security Service that conducted the operation to eliminate it.

Pilavov was wanted by the Security Service of Ukraine on charges of violent change of power, encroachment on the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and creation of a terrorist organization.

He was born in Luhansk. It is also reported that between September and November 2009, he served as president of the Luhansk football club Zorya.

The last such incident involving the elimination of the invaders in Luhansk was recorded last year. In October, the car of a Russian army major exploded in the city center.

Major Dmytro Pervukha, Chief of Staff for Military Service and Security of the military unit 53847 of the Central Military District, was killed.