Bomb Detonates Outside Residential Building, Killing Top Military Official
Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s chemical and biological defense unit, was killed in an explosion in Moscow. The device, hidden inside an electric scooter, detonated as Kirillov and his deputy exited a residential building in the city’s southeast. Both men died at the scene.
Dashcam footage from a nearby car captured the moment of the explosion. Seconds after the two men stepped outside, a powerful blast shook the area, shattering windows and causing chaos. Russian authorities confirmed the bomb had been planted in the scooter and detonated remotely.
Ukraine’s SBU security service claimed responsibility for the operation. A Ukrainian official said Kirillov was targeted for alleged war crimes against Ukrainian troops. Just a day before the attack, Ukraine had issued an arrest warrant for Kirillov.
Kirillov’s Role and Reputation
Igor Kirillov had led Russia’s radiological, chemical, and biological defense forces (RKhBZ) since 2017. His unit is responsible for operating under hazardous conditions and defending against chemical and biological threats. Western governments, however, accused him of overseeing the use of banned chemical weapons, including chloropicrin, in Ukraine.
In October, the UK sanctioned Kirillov for his involvement in “barbaric attacks” using chemical agents. Kirillov was also known for his public briefings, where he frequently spread Kremlin narratives. He accused Ukraine of developing chemical weapons and even claimed drones would spread malaria using infected mosquitoes—a statement dismissed as disinformation.
Kirillov was also active in defending Russia during international scandals. He attempted to discredit the UK investigation into the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, blaming the attack on Western conspiracies.
Russia Reacts with Investigations and Retaliation Promises
The assassination has triggered a large-scale investigation by Russian authorities. Officials are examining how the attackers tracked Kirillov, planted the explosive, and coordinated the remote detonation.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s security council, vowed a decisive response. “We will hunt down those responsible for this killing, including Ukraine’s political and military leadership,” he declared.
Kirillov’s death adds to a growing list of targeted killings of Russian officials and military figures. Just last week, Ukrainian intelligence claimed responsibility for the death of Russian missile scientist Mikhail Shatsky in a Moscow forest. Earlier this year, Ukraine targeted senior GRU military officers and naval officials in both Russia and occupied Crimea.
Impact on Russia’s Leadership and Security
The assassination of Kirillov is one of the most significant strikes against a Russian military leader since the war began. His high rank and visibility within the military make this attack particularly shocking for Russia’s defense establishment.
A former Russian defense official described the incident as a major blow. “It will send shockwaves through the Ministry of Defense and lead to heightened security for top officials,” the source said. Increased protection, including round-the-clock surveillance, is now expected for senior military leaders.
Despite recent claims by Vladimir Putin that the war in Ukraine is at a “turning point,” Kirillov’s death underscores Russia’s vulnerabilities far from the battlefield. This operation marks a bold escalation by Ukraine, demonstrating its ability to target key Russian figures within the heart of Moscow.
