Car bomb kills Russian war crimes suspect Roman Syromyatnikov in Tula region

October 4, 2026 at 12:30 AM2 min

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A car bomb killed Roman Syromyatnikov, a Russian suspect in the torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war, in Novomoskovsk, Tula region, on October 2. Russian National Guard and Defense Ministry personnel arrived at the scene. Ukraine had notified Syromyatnikov of suspicion in September 2025 over the torture of at least 50 prisoners at Penal Colony No. 1.

Key Facts

The explosion occurred on Druzhby Street in Novomoskovsk on the morning of October 2, killing the driver.
The victim was identified as Roman Syromyatnikov, who had served in Russia's penitentiary system and fought in Ukraine since 2023.
In September 2025, Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office notified Syromyatnikov of suspicion of torturing Ukrainian prisoners of war at Penal Colony No. 1 in Tula region.
Ukrainian investigators allege Syromyatnikov may have been involved in the torture of at least 50 Ukrainian prisoners.
Syromyatnikov fought with the 51st Regiment of the 106th Tula Airborne Division in the Siversk direction and took part in the defense of Kursk region.

The Explosion

On the morning of October 2, a car exploded on Druzhby Street in Novomoskovsk, Tula region, killing the driver. Russian National Guard personnel and vehicles with Defense Ministry license plates arrived at the scene. An explosive device had been planted under the vehicle's floor on the driver's side, according to reports. The person killed was identified as Roman Syromyatnikov, a former employee of Russia's penitentiary system.

War Crimes Allegations

In September 2025, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine notified Syromyatnikov of suspicion of torturing Ukrainian prisoners of war at Penal Colony No. 1 in Tula region. Ukrainian law enforcement believe Syromyatnikov may have been involved in the torture of at least 50 Ukrainian prisoners. According to the Ukrainian investigation, prisoners were beaten with hands, feet, rubber batons, plastic pipes, and hammers, and stun guns were also used. Contacts from a TA-57 field telephone were attached to prisoners' bodies and electric current was passed through them, the investigation alleges.

Military Service

Since 2023, Syromyatnikov had taken part in the war against Ukraine. He fought as part of the 51st Regiment of the 106th Tula Airborne Division in the Siversk direction in Donetsk region. Syromyatnikov also took part in the defense of Kursk region. At the end of November 2024, he returned to Tula region for treatment.