Donetsk, Aug 31 – DAN. DPR Head Alexander Zakharchenko has been killed in an explosion at the Separ restaurant in the Dontesk city center Friday evening, the DPR Head Administration said.
"Unfortunately this is true, the DPR Head Alexander Zakharchenko is killed as a result of explosion. Details are to follow," the statement reads.
The intersection of Pushkina street and Komsomolskiy av. where the restaurant is located in the Voroshilovskiy district of
Donetsk cordoned off, DAN correspondent says.
Fire engulfed the building after the explosion.
Heavy presence of emergency services, law enforcement and ambulances is reported.
Bio: Alexander Zakharchenko
Alexander Vladimirovich Zakharchenko was born on June 26, 1976. Upon graduation he entered the Donetsk college of industrial automatics.
He graduated with honors, later worked at a mine, then started a business.
In December 2013 Zakharchenko became the leader of Donetsk 'Oplot' social organization.
He joined the ranks of opponents to the Ukrainian 2014 coup d'etat, took part in battles for Donbass independence as a commander of the 'Oplot' militia unit. He sustained several injuries. Received Major General military rank, was awarded the Golden Star of the DPR Hero, other orders.
On August 8, 2014 Zakharchenko was appointed the Chairman of the Council of Ministers by the DPR Supreme Council. Won the Head's election on November 2, 2014 with a sweeping majority and assumed office on November 4.
Alexander Zakharchenko was fatally wounded in an explosion in the Separ restaurant in the center of Donetsk on August 31, 2018. *ot