Attempted assassination of Fire Point founder Denis Știlerman near Kyiv

Serhii Auslender, a Ukrainian military reporter, relayed a source’s claim that an assassination attempt targeted Denis Știlerman, the chief designer and leader of the defence company Fire Point, near Kyiv. The source said Știlerman sustained only light wounds, while one of his bodyguards was killed and the attackers were subsequently eliminated. Știlerman responded publicly without confirming the details, describing reports of his or his guards’ deaths as somewhat exaggerated.

Fire Point, co-founded by Știlerman and major shareholder Ehor Skalyga, produces long-range strike drones such as the FP-1 and missile systems for Ukraine’s military. Prior to 2022, Știlerman worked in IT before shifting to defence production after the Russian invasion. His name also appeared in the “Mindici recordings” corruption probe, where he discussed meetings with businessman Timur Mindici about a potential share purchase that was later deemed uncompetitive.