Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the chief of Russia’s Troops of Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defence, was killed in a bomb blast in Moscow. The explosive device, hidden in an electric scooter, detonated outside an apartment building on Ryazansky Prospekt, according to Russia’s investigative committee. The blast also claimed the life of Kirillov’s assistant, leaving the entrance to the building shattered and the area littered with rubble and blood-stained snow.
The attack was described as a targeted assassination. “Igor Kirillov, the head of the radiation, chemical, and biological protection forces of the armed forces of the Russian Federation, and his assistant were killed,” the investigative committee confirmed.
Ukraine’s Involvement Alleged
A source within the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for the bombing, calling Kirillov a “legitimate target.” The SBU reportedly told international media outlets, including Reuters and AFP, that the operation was part of its broader strategy. Ukrainian officials have yet to release an official statement, but this incident aligns with allegations of prior covert actions on Russian soil.
The explosive used in the attack was estimated to have the power of 300 grams of TNT, Russian news agency TASS reported.
High-Profile Assassination
Russia has accused Ukraine of orchestrating several high-profile assassinations since the invasion began in February 2022. These include the killing of Darya Dugina, daughter of ultranationalist Alexander Dugin, in a car bombing in August 2022.
Russian officials were quick to frame this attack as another example of Ukraine’s tactics. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, stated that Kyiv aimed to divert attention from its military challenges, warning that Ukraine’s leadership would face “inevitable retribution.”
A Legacy of Controversy
Lieutenant General Kirillov’s death comes amid international scrutiny of his actions. On Monday, Ukrainian prosecutors charged him in absentia with the alleged use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine. The Security Service of Ukraine has documented over 4,800 instances of chemical weapons use since the start of the conflict.
Kirillov was also sanctioned by the United Kingdom in October for deploying riot control agents and toxic substances like chloropicrin, a choking agent prohibited under the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “He was a general who was involved in a number of atrocities,” while denying U.S. involvement in the killing.
Security Gaps
Residents of the building where the explosion occurred have long complained about inadequate surveillance systems. According to local reports, the lack of functional cameras allowed the attackers to plant the bomb undetected.
“This residential area has seen years of negligence when it comes to security infrastructure,” reported Al Jazeera’s Maria Shapovalova from Moscow. “The absence of operational cameras has left many unanswered questions about the events leading up to the blast.”
International Reaction
Russia has condemned the West for its silence on the assassination, calling it a tacit endorsement of Ukraine’s actions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized what she described as the West’s “spiral of approval” for war crimes committed by Kyiv.
“The assassination of Lieutenant General Kirillov is yet another example of the West’s complicity in Ukraine’s crimes,” Zakharova said.
Fallout
As investigations continue, the killing of Igor Kirillov underscores the increasing reach and boldness of Ukraine’s alleged covert operations within Russian territory. The attack not only raises questions about Russia’s internal security but also adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict.
While Moscow has vowed retribution, this incident further intensifies the tensions between Russia and Ukraine, signaling a potentially dangerous escalation in their war.
Disclaimer: This article is based on current information and reports. Further developments may change the context of the events described.
