Go back to school. Go back to your life. And the next time they ask you, say no. Killing is for grown ups and you are still a child.
„
~ Yassen's warning to Alex about MI6
Yassen Gregorovich is the secondary antagonist of the Alex Rider book series and the main protagonist of its spin off prequel, Russian Roulette. He is an assassin for SCORPIA, a former friend of John Rider and the killer of John's brother Ian.
Despite being an assassin, Gregorovich has a soft spot for John Rider's son, Alex and has saved him on various occasions. He also asserts that he doesn't kill children which results in his death at the hands of Damian Clay. He professed his love for Alex and John before succumbing to his wounds.
Yasha Gregorovich was born in Estrov, Russia to parents Eva and Anton Gregorovich. Before his birth, his father was a researcher of chemical properties and a biologist; engaged in research at the University of Moscow. Anton was hired to create a deadlier version of anthrax that would eliminate lives instead of saving them. Afterwards, he and Eva were forced to create transferable quantities of the virus for the Russian military; under the facade of producing pesticide for farmers. Suddenly an accident in the factory cause of massive breakout of the virus in Estrov, infecting Yasha. Fortunately, Eva and Anton injected Yasha with the cure they made for him but Eva's husband was killed in the process. With whatever rations they had, Eva packed a bag for her son. Moments before enemy ships descended on Estrov, Eva told Yasha to go to Moscow and find Misha Dementyev, claiming he is a friend. Yasha would eventually learn that billionaire Vladimir Sharkovsky was responsible for this event and vowed to kill him.
―Yassen Gregorovich to Alex Rider upon his first meeting with the latter.
“But we are not partners, Dr. Grief. One of the services my employer and I provide is to make people disappear. If you decide that is what is needed in this case, then you know what to do. Although seen as he is here, I imagine you could handle it yourself. After all, everything, is, under, control? Right?”
―Yassen Gregorovich to Dr. Grief about their relationship
Season 2[]
“Alex?”
―Yassen to Alex expressing shock that he nearly killed the boy
Alex: "You work for Cray now? Do what he tells you? Like a dog? Is that all SCORPIA are? Dogs for hire?"
Yassen: "You’re trying to create an opportunity. Make me reckless, make me careless. Those things don’t happen with me."
Alex: "Then how did you get that scar? "
Yassen: "Be quiet now."
―Yassen Gregorovich after Alex taunts him.
About Yassen Gregorovich[]
“Behind the glass, Yassen raised his hand. A gesture of friendship? A salute? Alex raised his hand. The helicopter spun away.”