Explosive Device Targets Military Leader Outside Residential Building
Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s chemical and biological defense unit, was killed in a bomb explosion in Moscow. The device, hidden in an electric scooter, detonated outside a residential building in the city’s southeast. The blast also killed Kirillov’s deputy.
Dashcam footage showed the two men exiting the building moments before the explosion occurred. Russian investigators confirmed the device was placed in the scooter and remotely triggered on the morning of December 17.
Ukraine’s SBU security service claimed responsibility for the attack, citing Kirillov’s alleged involvement in war crimes. Just a day earlier, Ukraine had issued an arrest warrant for the general.
Kirillov’s Prominence and Controversial Role
Kirillov led Russia’s radiological, chemical, and biological defense forces (RKhBZ) since 2017. His unit specializes in operating under hazardous conditions, including chemical and biological warfare. Western nations accused him of overseeing Russia’s use of chemical agents like chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces.
The UK sanctioned Kirillov in October for his role in “deploying illegal and barbaric weapons.” He was also a vocal supporter of Kremlin narratives, frequently accusing Ukraine of producing chemical weapons and nuclear “dirty bombs.”
In a widely criticized statement, Kirillov claimed Ukraine planned to use drones carrying infected mosquitoes to spread malaria among Russian troops. He also attempted to discredit the UK investigation into the 2018 poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, blaming the United States.
Russian Authorities Investigate and Promise Retaliation
The bombing has triggered an immediate investigation by Russian officials. Authorities are focusing on how Kirillov was tracked and how the explosive was planted. Media reports suggest the device was likely detonated remotely.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s security council, vowed a harsh response. “We will punish those responsible for this assassination, especially Ukraine’s leadership,” he said during a security briefing.
Kirillov’s death is part of a broader pattern of targeted attacks on prominent Russian figures. Last week, Ukrainian intelligence claimed responsibility for the killing of missile scientist Mikhail Shatsky near Moscow. Earlier this year, Ukraine targeted a GRU officer in Russia and a senior naval official in Crimea.
A Significant Escalation in the Conflict
The assassination of Kirillov marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s strategy to strike high-profile targets deep inside Russia. His rank and influence make this one of the boldest operations since the war began.
A former Russian defense official said the attack would alarm Russia’s military leadership. “This will lead to stricter security protocols for senior officials,” the official noted. Enhanced protection, including round-the-clock security, is now likely for other top figures.
While Vladimir Putin recently claimed that the conflict had reached a “turning point,” this event highlights Russia’s growing vulnerabilities. Kirillov’s assassination delivers both a symbolic and operational blow to Russia’s leadership, further intensifying the pressure on the Kremlin.