Explosion Near Moscow Kills Daughter of putin Ally
A suspected vehicle bombing killed the daughter of a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Darya Dugina, 29, was killed in an explosion on a road west of Moscow, according to Russia's investigating committee.
Her father, Russian professor Alexander Dugin, dubbed "Putin's brain," is assumed to be the intended victim of the attack.
Mr. Dugin is a well-known ultra-nationalist ideologue who is close to Russia's leadership.
Alexander Dugin and his daughter had attended a festival in Moscow on Saturday evening, when the philosopher gave a talk.
The "Tradition" festival bills itself as a family-friendly cultural event held in the Zakharovo estate, where Russian poet Alexander Pushkin once resided.
Mr Dugin allegedly decided to depart separately at the last minute after the couple were scheduled to leave the event in the same car.
Mr Dugin looks to be shocked when emergency personnel arrive at the site of a smoldering wrecked automobile in footage broadcast on Telegram.
Ms Dugina, who was driving the car, died at the scene in the town of Bolshiye Vyazemy, according to investigators.
According to them, an explosive device put beneath the automobile detonated, causing the vehicle to catch fire. Experts in forensics and explosives are investigating.
An official from Ukraine has denied any Ukrainian participation in the tragedy.
"Of course, Ukraine has nothing to do with this since we are not a criminal state, like the Russian Federation, and much less a terrorist state," said Mykhailo Podolyak, a presidential adviser.
According to Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia's foreign ministry, any Ukrainian involvement would amount to "state terrorism."
Despite the fact that Alexander Dugin is not a governmental official, he is a symbolic figure in Russian politics.
His anti-Western, ultranationalist mindset has become Russia's dominant political doctrine, influencing President Putin's expansionist foreign policy, most notably in Ukraine.
The focus will now shift to determining who was behind this attack. Denis Pushilin is a "The self-proclaimed pro-Russian "Donetsk People's Republic's head" has already blamed Ukraine, posting on Telegram: "Vile bastards! In an attempt to kill Alexander Dugin, Ukrainian government thugs blew up his daughter... In the vehicle. We treasure Daria's memories; she is a true Russian girl!"
Incidents like this will worry Moscow officials, especially in the aftermath of a series of explosions and attacks in seized Crimea and Russian territories close the Ukrainian border.
According to Kremlin propaganda, Vladimir Putin has restored security and stability to Russia after the chaotic 1990s, when car bombings and murders were frequent. This vehicle bombing in Russia's capital calls that narrative into question.
Despite not having a government post, Alexander Dugin is said to be a close supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and has even been dubbed "Putin's Rasputin."
Darya Dugina was a well-known journalist who openly backed the invasion of Ukraine.
She was sanctioned earlier this year by US and UK officials, which accused her of contributing to internet "disinformation" regarding Russia's incursion.
In an interview in May, she described the battle as a "clash of civilizations," and she was proud that both her and her father had been sanctioned by the West.
The US sanctioned Alexander Dugin in 2015 for his suspected role in Russia's invasion of Crimea.
His ideas are considered to have had a profound impact on Mr Putin, and the philosopher is regarded as a key builder of the ultra-nationalist worldview that many in the Kremlin support.
For years, Mr. Dugin has urged Moscow to be more assertive on the world scene, and he has supported Russian military action in Ukraine.
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