In a shocking incident in Moscow, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the chief of Russia’s Troops of Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defence, was killed on Tuesday by a bomb hidden in an electric scooter. The explosion occurred outside an apartment building on Ryazansky Prospekt, claiming the lives of Kirillov and his assistant, according to Russia’s investigative committee.
The attack has sent ripples through Russia and beyond, with accusations and counteraccusations flying between Moscow and Kyiv amidst the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Details of the Incident
Russian state media reported that the explosive device, hidden within the scooter, was equivalent to 300 grams of TNT. Photographs circulated on Telegram channels showed the aftermath of the blast: a shattered building entrance, rubble scattered across the ground, and two lifeless bodies lying in blood-stained snow.
Maria Shapovalova, reporting from Moscow, noted that residents of the apartment complex had long complained about the lack of proper surveillance cameras in the area, raising questions about security lapses. The investigative committee confirmed a criminal case has been opened.
Ukraine Claims Responsibility
A source within Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) told Al Jazeera that it orchestrated the attack, calling Kirillov a “legitimate target.” This claim was echoed by sources cited by Reuters and AFP. Ukraine, however, has yet to make an official statement on the matter.
Kirillov’s assassination marks another high-profile killing allegedly linked to Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Moscow has previously accused Kyiv of orchestrating attacks, including the 2022 car bombing that killed Darya Dugina, the daughter of ultranationalist Alexander Dugin.
Russia’s Response
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, accused Ukraine of attempting to distract from its military struggles and promised retribution against Kyiv’s leadership.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized the West for its silence on the attack, accusing it of enabling Ukraine’s actions. “An entire day has passed. Where is the reaction from the ‘civilized’ world?” she wrote on Telegram, claiming the assassination was part of a broader Western endorsement of Ukraine’s actions.
President Vladimir Putin has yet to comment on the incident.
U.S. Reaction
The United States has denied any involvement in the attack. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said, “The United States was not aware of it in advance and was not involved.” Miller also condemned Kirillov for his alleged role in atrocities, including the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces.
A Controversial Figure
Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was a polarizing figure. He led Russia’s radioactive, chemical, and biological defense forces, tasked with operating in hazardous contamination zones. In October, the United Kingdom sanctioned him and his unit for alleged use of banned chemical agents like chloropicrin in Ukraine.
On Monday, Ukrainian prosecutors charged Kirillov in absentia with the use of chemical weapons in violation of international law. Russia denies these accusations, asserting that it no longer possesses a military chemical arsenal.
Global Implications
The assassination has raised fears of escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Experts warn that such high-profile attacks could deepen animosity and provoke retaliatory measures.
The Security Service of Ukraine claims to have documented over 4,800 instances of chemical weapon use by Russian forces since the war began, including the deployment of K-1 combat grenades.
A Growing Pattern
The death of Kirillov is part of a series of targeted attacks on Russian figures since the start of the conflict. Analysts suggest these incidents signal Ukraine’s growing focus on dismantling Russia’s military leadership.
As investigations continue, the international community watches closely, bracing for potential consequences in an already volatile geopolitical landscape.
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