Ukraine’s security service has claimed responsibility for the death of Lt Gen Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Radiation, Biological, and Chemical Defence Forces. The incident occurred early Tuesday in Moscow, where an improvised explosive device (IED) hidden in a scooter was remotely detonated.
The Ukrainian SBU declared Kirillov a “legitimate target,” alleging his involvement in war crimes, including the use of banned chemical weapons. Kirillov had been under UK sanctions since October for overseeing chemical weapon use in Ukraine.
Allegations Against Kirillov
Under Kirillov’s leadership, Russia reportedly deployed chemical weapons over 4,800 times, causing harm to Ukrainian forces. The SBU charged him in absentia on Monday, holding him accountable for mass violations of international law. Moscow has consistently denied these allegations, dismissing them as baseless.
Reactions to the Attack
Local residents near the blast site expressed shock, describing the explosion as unprecedented in the relatively safe southeastern Moscow district. “It’s one thing reading about the war from afar, but when it happens next door, it’s terrifying,” a resident remarked.
The Kremlin opened a criminal case, labeling the deaths of Kirillov and his assistant as murder. Russian investigators are actively working to identify the perpetrators.
Escalation of Ukraine’s Targeted Operations
Kirillov’s death follows a pattern of high-profile assassinations targeting Russian officials. Just last week, Ukrainian forces reportedly eliminated weapons expert Mikhail Shatsky in Moscow. This intensification comes as Ukraine marks nearly three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion began.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented, stating, “We are not mourning the death of an individual who imposed suffering on the Ukrainian people.”
Global Implications
Kirillov’s death highlights the growing reach of Ukraine’s operations, signaling that Moscow is no longer immune to the realities of war. The international community continues to observe the unfolding conflict closely, with heightened concerns over the escalation of targeted actions in urban centers.
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