By Trendsetter Tribune 
A senior Russian military officer has died in what authorities are calling a road collision in occupied eastern Ukraine — the latest in a series of sudden deaths among Russia’s military leadership.
Colonel Erik Selimov was reportedly traveling with his security detail on Sunday near Alchevsk in the occupied Luhansk region when his vehicle allegedly struck a truck transporting troops from the 88th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade.
Local reports say Selimov and three servicemen were killed at the scene. Two additional soldiers from the brigade remain in critical condition.
Selimov commanded the 136th Separate Guards Motorised Rifle Brigade, which has been active in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Official confirmation — and praise from Dagestan leadership
Dagestan governor Sergey Melikov confirmed Selimov’s death and described him as:
“a far-sighted strategist, a fair and principled officer with high moral character.”
Melikov noted Selimov’s career progression from platoon commander to battalion leader and highlighted multiple awards he received for military service.
A growing list of unexplained losses
Selimov’s death follows several recent and unexpected losses among senior Russian officers.
- Colonel-General Yuri Sadovenko, 56, reportedly died from a sudden heart attack on Christmas Day.
- Lt. Col. Stanislav Orlov, 44 — nicknamed “the Spaniard” and linked to a pro-Kremlin ultra-nationalist unit — also died under unclear circumstances.
These incidents have fueled speculation within Russia and abroad over whether all the deaths are accidental.
Reports of surveillance footage
Independent outlet Astra reported that surveillance footage near one officer’s residence in occupied Crimea appeared to show vehicles believed to belong to Russian intelligence arriving shortly before flashes — possibly gunfire — were seen.
Those claims have not been independently verified.
Ongoing questions
While Russian officials attribute Selimov’s death to a road collision, the proximity of multiple sudden fatalities among high-ranking officers has raised concerns and theories about internal tensions.
For now, investigators have provided few details beyond the initial report of the crash.