The DPR's Ministry of Defense confirmed his liquidation by an bomb.
"According to preliminary information, Motorola was killed as a result of a terrorist operation of a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group. Upon returning home, a remote-detonated bomb was set off in the elevator," the Ministry said.
The commander was known because of his involvement on the front lines of some of the most intense battles between the Ukraine forces and its far-right militia allies, and between Russian-backed separatists rebels operating in the eastern Ukrainian regions collectively known as Donbass.