Ukraine Assassinates Russia’s Nuclear And Chemical Defense Chief In Moscow
Ukraine claimed responsibility for killing Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s nuclear, biological and chemical defense forces, in a bombing in Moscow on Tuesday. The attack, which Ukrainian officials called justified, marks one of the most significant strikes against a Russian military leader away from the battlefield.
Kirillov, 54, died alongside an aide when a bomb planted in a scooter exploded near a residential building. Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed the attack and described it as a “terrorist incident.” The explosion shattered windows up to the third floor and damaged nearby structures, demonstrating the power of the device.
🇷🇺 #Russia 🇺🇿 #Uzbekistan
⚡️The FSB has released a video of a 29-year-old Uzbek citizen arrested for involvement in the assassination of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov in Moscow.
Russian investigators confirmed that the suspect was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence to carry out the… https://t.co/ksoozUglD9 pic.twitter.com/v1CAtZBhMd
— Silvio do Quental (@SilviodoQuental) December 18, 2024
A Ukrainian security official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the operation and defended Kirillov’s targeting. Ukraine accused the general of overseeing Russia’s use of banned chemical weapons, including agents like CS and CN, which violate international treaties. Ukrainian security forces claim Russia has deployed chemical weapons over 4,800 times since the war began.
Kirillov had previously been sanctioned by both the US and UK for his role in the use of chemical agents. The State Department sanctioned his unit for deploying choking agents such as chloropicrin, while the UK followed suit in October.
𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐦𝐛 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
According to CNN, a 29-year-old Uzbek man was arrested by Russia for his alleged role in the assassination of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s radiological, biological and chemical protection… pic.twitter.com/O3rDryFwPI— TechBuzzRecap (@TechBuzzRecap) December 18, 2024
Russia has reported that a 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the killing of Kirillov.
Former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev condemned the attack, calling it an attempt by Ukraine to escalate the conflict. “There will be inevitable retaliation,” Medvedev warned, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
Kirillov’s death is seen as a symbolic blow to Russia’s war efforts, particularly given his role in nuclear and chemical defense operations. Ukrainian forces have demonstrated an increasing ability to strike high-profile targets deep within Russian territory, further destabilizing Moscow’s military leadership.