In a shocking and tragic incident, the head of a Russian defence factory set himself on fire on Moscow’s Red Square, near the Kremlin. The dramatic act has highlighted intense pressures on Russia’s defence industry amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The factory boss survived but suffered severe burns and spent weeks in hospital.
Crushing Pressure and Impossible Deadlines
The factory boss led a company that made critical communication parts for Russian tanks. These devices allow tank crews to talk to each other safely on the battlefield. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the demand for these parts skyrocketed. Orders flooded in, and the company had to produce far more than it ever had before.
The pressure to deliver quickly was immense. The government set strict deadlines and fixed prices for the parts, leaving little room for negotiation. Any delay or failure to meet the targets could lead to criminal charges. Russian authorities even invoked memories of Soviet-era punishments, warning companies that failing to deliver weapons on time could be treated like a serious crime.
The factory struggled to keep up. Production had to increase tenfold, which required hiring more workers, updating machines, and reorganising the factory. Despite these efforts, the company fell behind schedule. Internal conflicts among executives and disputes with the government over payments added to the chaos.
At the same time, inspections from authorities disrupted work, and tax issues froze the company’s accounts. Wages went unpaid, lawsuits piled up, and the factory faced the risk of bankruptcy. Even when the factory delivered the orders, the government later cut payments, arguing that automation reduced production costs. These disputes left the boss with little hope of resolving the financial and legal problems on his own.
Red Square Protest and Desperate Plea
On July 26, 2024, overwhelmed by pressure and frustration, the factory head walked onto Red Square and set himself on fire. He chose a spot near the Kremlin and the mausoleum of the Soviet state founder, making the act highly visible. The self-immolation was a desperate plea for attention to the difficulties his company faced.
He survived the ordeal but suffered severe burns that required weeks of hospital care. Even from his hospital bed, he continued to try to resolve the financial and legal issues affecting the factory, but the results were limited. Authorities barely acknowledged the act, and the only legal consequence he faced was a fine for staging an unauthorised demonstration in a sensitive area.
The incident reflects the extreme pressures faced by Russian defence contractors. Since the war in Ukraine began, at least 34 people have faced criminal investigations for issues related to defence contracts. These cases include company bosses and senior executives accused of disrupting orders, sometimes even over minor delays. A law passed in 2017 and expanded in 2022 allows authorities to prosecute people for failing to fulfil defence contracts, regardless of intent or personal gain.
Red Square Incident Highlights Defence Industry Struggles
The boss’s company is not the only one experiencing difficulties. Many Russian defence firms have struggled to meet rising demands, facing problems like inefficiency, corruption, and bureaucratic red tape. Centralised control by the government and rigid rules imposed by state defence conglomerates have limited companies’ ability to innovate or modernise.
Even critical equipment for the battlefield, such as tank radios, has been affected. Some reports from soldiers noted shortages in the field, forcing companies to make their own versions of essential components. Delays in delivery and disputes over payments have made it harder for the military to receive the equipment it needs on time.
Court records show that the company’s orders were sometimes cut or delayed due to disagreements over pricing or production methods. While the company delivered many of its products, the government sometimes claimed that deadlines were missed, triggering legal disputes. Despite surviving his desperate act, the boss continues to spend much of his time dealing with court hearings and financial issues at the factory.
This incident has drawn attention to the extreme stress and pressures faced by managers in Russia’s defence sector. The combination of strict deadlines, financial disputes, government scrutiny, and personal risk has created a dangerous environment where a single individual can feel trapped with no way out.