A car belonging to Vladimir Tkachuk — founder and chief executive of the company «UralDroneZavod», which manufactures «Upir» attack FPV drones — has exploded in Russia. This has been reported by Russian media. According to preliminary reports, Tkachuk has suffered serious injuries. He has been admitted to the intensive care unit. There is currently no information about any other casualties.
Tkachuk is in intensive care
According to Russian sources, following the car explosion Volodymyr Tkachuk He was taken to hospital in a serious condition. He is currently in intensive care.
The location of the incident, the make of the car and the nature of the explosion are not specified in the initial reports. There is also no confirmed information as to whether an explosive device had been planted in the car.
At the time of publication, there are no official findings from the Russian investigative authorities regarding the causes of the incident. The Ukrainian side has not commented on the report of the explosion.
What is known about Volodymyr Tkachuk
Volodymyr Tkachuk is the founder and chief executive of the Russian company «UralDroneZavod». Russian media had previously described him as the chief designer and organiser of production FPV drones «The Vampire».
The company operates in the Sverdlovsk Oblast. In 2024, Tkachuk announced the move to mass production of these drones. In 2026, Russian propaganda outlets portrayed him as the managing director of «UralDroneZavod».
According to reports in regional Russian media, the company has its own design bureau, production facilities and a quality control system.
«Upir» drones are being used against Ukraine
«Upir» is a Russian strike FPV platform that came into widespread use during the full-scale war against Ukraine. The drones are designed to target armoured vehicles, motor vehicles, fortifications, Ukrainian military positions and supply routes.
Various types of warheads can be fitted to drones, including anti-tank and high-explosive fragmentation warheads. The Russian military also uses them as a cheaper means of delivering strikes at tactical range.
Information regarding the explosion of Tkachuk’s car remains preliminary. Details regarding his condition, the causes of the incident and the progress of the investigation may be subject to further clarification.
