Moscow, Russia – Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s Troops of Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defence, was killed in a shocking bombing outside an apartment building on Ryazansky Prospekt in Moscow. The explosion, which was reportedly caused by a device hidden in an electric scooter, also claimed the life of his assistant, according to Russia’s investigative committee.
The incident, described as a deliberate attack, has sent shockwaves through the Kremlin, with officials pointing fingers at Ukraine. A source within Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) told Al Jazeera that the agency orchestrated the bombing, declaring Kirillov a “legitimate target.”
Explosion Details and Immediate Aftermath
Russian state media reported that the explosive device used in the attack had an estimated power of 300 grams in TNT equivalent. The blast tore through the entrance of the apartment complex, leaving shattered windows and rubble strewn across the site. Images circulating on Telegram channels showed two bodies lying in pools of blood amidst the wreckage.
Residents of the complex have long complained about the lack of video surveillance in the area. “There were no cameras recording the events near these blocks of flats,” Maria Shapovalova, an Al Jazeera correspondent in Moscow, noted.
A criminal case has been launched, with authorities conducting a comprehensive investigation to uncover potential security lapses that allowed such an attack to occur in the Russian capital.
Ukraine’s Alleged Involvement
Sources from Ukraine’s SBU openly claimed responsibility for the attack. “We claim our responsibility for the bombing of the head of the Russian Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Forces, Igor Kirillov,” an SBU official stated. Ukraine’s government has yet to make an official statement regarding the incident.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, condemned the attack, calling it an attempt by Kyiv to distract from its military failures. He warned of inevitable retribution for Ukraine’s leadership.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized Western nations for their silence, accusing them of tacitly supporting the attack. “Where are the reactions from the so-called ‘civilized’ world?” she questioned on Telegram.
International Reactions
The United States denied any involvement in the assassination but condemned Kirillov’s actions during his tenure. “He was a general involved in numerous atrocities, including the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces,” said Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesperson.
The UK had previously sanctioned Kirillov for his role in deploying riot control agents and allegedly using the toxic chemical chloropicrin, a choking agent prohibited under international law.
Kirillov’s Legacy and Controversy
Lieutenant General Kirillov was a prominent figure in Russia’s military structure, overseeing forces trained to operate under conditions of radioactive, chemical, and biological contamination. His career was marred by allegations of war crimes, including the use of banned chemical weapons on Ukrainian battlefields.
In October, the UK sanctioned Kirillov for his involvement in deploying toxic agents like chloropicrin, which was historically used as tear gas in World War I. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) prohibits its use.
Ukraine’s prosecutors had recently charged Kirillov in absentia for alleged chemical weapons use, further cementing his controversial reputation.
Broader Context
This assassination is the latest in a series of high-profile attacks targeting Russian officials since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022. The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of orchestrating several assassinations, including the 2022 car bombing that killed Darya Dugina, the daughter of nationalist Alexander Dugin.
The SBU has reported over 4,800 instances of chemical weapon use by Russian forces on the battlefield since the conflict began, heightening tensions between the two nations.
A City on Edge
The assassination of one of Russia’s top generals has heightened fears in Moscow. Security measures across the city are being reassessed, with residents calling for better surveillance and protection.
While there has been no immediate comment from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin’s next steps in addressing this bold attack will likely escalate the already volatile situation between Russia and Ukraine.
