Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Forces, was killed in a targeted bombing in Moscow.
A senior Russian general responsible for the country’s nuclear, chemical, and biological protection forces has been assassinated in Moscow in a bombing described as a calculated act of war. The explosive, concealed in an electric scooter, detonated outside an apartment building on Ryazansky Prospekt, killing Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant on Tuesday.
Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed the deaths, stating, “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.”
Bombing Details and Investigations
The bomb, estimated to have a capacity equivalent to 300 grams of TNT, caused significant destruction, with images from the scene showing a shattered building entrance, blood-stained snow, and rubble scattered around. A criminal investigation has been launched to uncover how the attack was orchestrated and whether internal security lapses contributed to the incident.
Ukraine’s Involvement Alleged
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the assassination. Sources within the SBU told Al Jazeera, Reuters, and AFP that the general was considered a “legitimate target” due to his alleged involvement in war crimes, including the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces. However, Ukraine’s government has yet to make an official statement.
Russia has long accused Ukraine of orchestrating assassinations on its soil, including the high-profile killing of Darya Dugina, daughter of ultranationalist Alexander Dugin, in a car bombing in August 2022.
Political and International Reactions
Russian officials condemned the attack as a deliberate provocation by Ukraine. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, accused Kyiv of attempting to divert attention from its military setbacks and warned of “inevitable retribution” against Ukraine’s leadership.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized Western nations for failing to denounce the bombing, stating, “Where is the reaction from the ‘civilized’ world? The approval of Kyiv’s war crimes continues.”
There was no immediate comment from President Vladimir Putin.
The United States, while denying involvement in the attack, described Kirillov as a figure tied to atrocities. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, “He was involved in the use of chemical weapons against the Ukrainian military.”
Kirillov’s Controversial Legacy
Kirillov had been charged in absentia by Ukrainian prosecutors just days before the attack for allegedly deploying banned chemical weapons. International scrutiny of his actions intensified in October when the United Kingdom sanctioned him and his forces for using toxic agents, including chloropicrin, a choking agent banned under the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
While Russia denies possessing any military chemical arsenal, calls for transparency about its alleged use of chemical weapons have mounted amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Security Concerns in Moscow
Residents of the apartment complex where the bomb exploded have criticized the lack of surveillance cameras in the area. Reports suggest that for years, locals have raised concerns about inadequate security measures. Al Jazeera’s Maria Shapovalova noted, “The cameras were not recording what was happening… in those blocks of flats.”
Broader Implications
The attack on such a high-ranking official raises questions about the effectiveness of Russia’s domestic security apparatus and its ability to protect key military figures. It also highlights escalating tensions between Moscow and Kyiv, as the war shows no signs of de-escalation.
With over 4,800 documented cases of chemical weapon usage reported by Ukraine since February 2022, the assassination of Kirillov may further intensify the conflict’s already grim trajectory.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available information. Details may evolve as new evidence emerges.
