On Tuesday morning, Dec. 17th, an explosion near Ryazansky Prospekt in Moscow killed Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant when a bomb concealed in an electric scooter detonated. A source from Ukraine’s intelligence agency, SBU, claimed responsibility for the operation. The assassination of Igor Kirillov, represents a critical development in the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kyiv. As the most senior Russian military officer targeted inside Russia, his death is expected to push Russian authorities to reassess security measures for their top military leadership.
Suspect Arrested for the Assassination of Igor Kirillov
Russian authorities announced on Wednesday, Dec. 18th, the arrest of an Uzbek man who confessed to planting the bomb that killed General Kirillov, allegedly acting on orders from Ukraine’s SBU. The suspect detailed his role in acquiring and rigging an electric scooter with explosives, monitored remotely by Ukrainian operatives. He claimed Ukraine promised $100,000 and European residency for the task. Investigators are probing further into the high-profile assassination.
Russia Vows Retaliation, Accuses Ukraine and U.S. of Involvement
Russian officials vowed retaliation following the assassination of Igor Kirillov. Dmitry Medvedev, a senior security official, called for action against those responsible, accusing Ukraine’s leadership of orchestrating the attack. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed U.S. claims of non-involvement, blaming Washington for supporting Kyiv and ignoring alleged acts of terrorism. While tensions rise, President Vladimir Putin has not issued a statement on the incident.
Accusations and Sanctions Against Kirillov
Kirillov led Russia’s specialized units trained to operate in environments contaminated by radiation, chemicals, or biological agents, ensuring the protection of ground forces in extreme conditions.
Britain has sanctioned Kirillov and his nuclear defense forces for the deployment of chloropicrin, a toxic choking agent, on the battlefield. Ukraine accused Kirillov of overseeing chemical weapons use against its troops. The Kyiv Independent, referencing the SBU, reported that the assassination of Igor Kirillov was carried out just one day after Ukrainian state prosecutors charged him in absentia for allegedly using prohibited chemical weapons.
Russia has dismissed Ukrainian accusations of using chemical weapons during the conflict.
High-Profile Assassinations Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Russia claims Ukraine has conducted a series of targeted assassinations since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. High-profile cases include the 2022 killing of Darya Dugina, daughter of nationalist Alexander Dugin, the 2023 cafe bombing of pro-war blogger Vladlen Tatarsky, and the shooting of a Russian submarine commander accused of war crimes by Kyiv.
