Ukrainian Intelligence Claims Responsibility for Assassination of Russian General

Close-up of dictionary page defining assassination.

A Russian general accused of using chemical weapons in Ukraine was killed in a Moscow explosion, with Ukrainian intelligence claiming responsibility.

At a Glance

Russian Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of chemical defense troops, died in a Moscow bomb blast.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claims responsibility for the assassination.
Kirillov was accused of ordering chemical weapon use against Ukrainian soldiers.
Russia denies the allegations and has launched a terrorism investigation.
The incident may escalate tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

Assassination in Moscow

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops (RKhBZ), was reportedly killed by a bomb in Moscow on December 17. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has claimed responsibility for the attack, which also claimed the life of Kirillov’s unnamed assistant. The explosion occurred near an apartment building, with the explosive device allegedly planted in a scooter.

Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched a terrorism investigation into the incident, suspecting Ukrainian involvement. The chairman of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, ordered an investigation into the deaths, although no suspects have been officially named.

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov met his demise in Moscow on Dec. 17, reportedly killed by a bomb attached to a scooter planted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Who was Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov?https://t.co/Fghf2WEBek

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) December 17, 2024

Chemical Weapons Allegations

Kirillov was a controversial figure, accused of being a war criminal for allegedly ordering the use of banned chemical weapons against Ukrainian soldiers. The British government had sanctioned him in October for the reported use of riot control agents and chloropicrin, a chemical choking agent, on the battlefield.

Ukrainian soldiers have reported persistent use of chemical weapons by Russian forces, including teargas and chloropicrin. The United States and the United Kingdom have accused Russia of using chloropicrin, a toxic agent dating back to World War I. Reports indicate that FPV drones are being used to drop gas grenades on Ukrainian positions.

International Response

The incident has drawn international attention and condemnation. The British government accused Kirillov of deploying chemical weapons and spreading Kremlin disinformation. Both the UK and Canada had imposed sanctions on Kirillov for his alleged role in chemical weapon use.

“The U.K. will not sit idly by whilst (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and his mafia state ride roughshod over international law, including the Chemical Weapons Convention.” – British Foreign Secretary David Lammy

The United States has also announced sanctions against the Russian RKhBZ unit for chemical weapon use. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirmed the use of CS gas, a riot control agent, in Ukraine, which is prohibited as a method of warfare. However, the OPCW has limited its inquiries due to a lack of invitations from Russia or Ukraine.

Russian Denial and Retaliation Threats

Russia has consistently denied using chemical weapons, claiming that all stockpiles were destroyed in 2017. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova defended Kirillov, praising his work and dedication to Russia. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, condemned the incident as a terrorist attack and promised retaliation against the perpetrators.

“Today, as a result of a terrorist act, our colleague and comrade was killed” – Dimitri Medvedev

The assassination of General Kirillov marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely for potential repercussions and further developments in this volatile situation.