A mysterious explosion in Moscow has claimed the life of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, intensifying the already high tensions in the ongoing military strife.
At a Glance
- Bomb hidden in a scooter kills Lt. Gen. Kirillov in Moscow.
- Ukraine’s Security Service claims responsibility, labeling him a “war criminal.”
- Russia vows retaliation against Ukraine, labeling the act as terrorism.
- Explosion highlights proximity of Ukraine conflict to Moscow.
Explosion Details and Reaction
An explosion outside Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov’s apartment took his life and his assistant. The device, cleverly concealed in a scooter, was remotely detonated with a force equivalent to 300g of TNT. Assassinations like this are rare in Moscow, underlining the daring nature of this attack. Russia is treating the incident as a terrorist act, with the Investigative Committee vowing to uncover those responsible.
The SBU admitted responsibility, calling Kirillov a “war criminal” for his alleged role in deploying banned chemical agents against Ukraine. This incident follows the recent murder of other senior Russian officials, pointing to an emerging trend in targeting high-profile figures. Dmitry Medvedev accused Ukraine of using this attack to divert attention from its own military challenges.
The chief of Russian nuclear protection forces, Igor Kirillov has been killed in a bomb blast outside an apartment building in Moscow. Investigators say the bomb was hidden in an electric scooter and detonated as Kirillov and his deputy left the building. pic.twitter.com/lRjZEidrv7
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) December 17, 2024
Kirillov’s Controversial Legacy
Kirillov was the head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defence Forces. Prior to his death, he was sanctioned by numerous countries due to his involvement in the war in Ukraine. His actions were at the center of numerous accusations, including the reported use of banned chemical weapons over 4,800 times since February 2022.
His assassination closely follows that of Mikhail Shatsky, another key figure in Russia’s defense architecture. This further interests both Russian and international observers regarding the motives and potential repercussions of such actions. The US State Department highlighted reports of dangerous chemicals being used against Ukrainian troops.
Potential Implications and Global Reactions
Russia’s Investigative Committee has intensified efforts to apprehend those responsible. Svetlana Petrenko, a spokesperson for the Committee, acknowledged that investigative teams are working vigorously to piece together the event’s circumstances. Meanwhile, the bombings serve as stark reminders of political tensions and unending strife between the involved nations.
The assassination has stirred reactions across the globe. UK Prime Minister’s spokesman remarked on Kirillov’s actions causing much suffering, asserting that they wouldn’t mourn his passing. Maria Zakharova, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, expressed her defense of Kirillov by praising his dedication to his country, thereby portraying differing international perspectives on his legacy.
Sources:
- Ukraine says it killed Russian general Igor Kirillov in Moscow
- Bomb from scooter rigged to blow kills Russia’s nuke chief and his assistant in Moscow
