The chief designer of Russian missiles is fighting for his life after a hammer attack.
Andrei Kondratyev, a head of the key Kurganpribor factory, was struck in a suspected assassination bid in his apartment block in Kurgan.
His plant – which faces Western sanctions – makes components for multiple launch rockets and anti-aircraft missile systems used in the war against Ukraine.
The assailant hit him several times on the head and fled, according to pro-Kremlin news outlet Mash.
The ambush came as he was returning home from work.
‘His driver brought the head of the plant to the entrance of the building,’ said a source.
‘There the pre-planned attack took place.
‘The man was hit with a hammer.
Andrei Kondratyev, a head of the key Kurganpribor factory, (pictured) was struck in a suspected assassination bid in his apartment block in Kurgan
He was a leader at the key Kurganpribor factory, which manufactures Russian missiles
Service members of the 115th Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces fire a mortar towards Russian troops, at a position in a front line, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine May 16, 2025
Firefighters extinguish a blaze at the Barabashovo market after a Russian drone strike on May 6, 2025 in Kharkiv, Ukraine
‘Immediately on the spot he received emergency medical care, which may have saved his life.’
His condition is reported as serious in intensive care.
The plant – which also produces parts for guided and unguided air-to-air missiles, such as the short-range R-74 – has cranked up production 70 per cent during Vladimir Putin’s war including extended shifts and weekend production.
Kondratyev deployed hundreds of prisoners released from jails by Putin to man production lines.
The plant also makes fuses for tank shells, artillery rounds, and naval munitions as well as capsule bushings for artillery used by ground forces and the navy.
Britain as well as the EU and US has sanctioned Kurganpribor due to its role in the war.
Other attacks on defence plant officials and military figures have been blamed on Ukraine.
But news outer BAZA said a ‘conflict at work’ was a possible motive because he had slashed salaries of some workers.
