Russian general killed in Moscow explosion linked to Ukraine
General Igor Kirillov, commander of the Russian Radiochemical and Biological Protection Forces, was killed in an explosion in Moscow, according to the Meduza portal. The military officer reportedly died alongside his assistant due to actions by Ukrainian services. A video has emerged online, purportedly showing the moment of the attack.
General Igor Kirillov, commander of the Russian Radiochemical and Biological Protection Forces, and his assistant died as a result of an explosion in Moscow. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning (17th December) at around 9:00 am GMT. According to the Meduza portal, it was a special operation carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine. The explosion occurred in front of a residential building on Ryazansky Prospect, approximately 6 kilometres southeast of the Kremlin. A bomb hidden in an electric scooter was planted under the building.
A recording showing the moment of the explosion appeared online and was published by the Nexta profile. It shows two people exiting a stairway, most likely Kirillov and his assistant. As they turn left, the explosion occurs, and the force of the blast is enormous. Debris flies through the air, with some of it obscuring the camera that recorded the attack.
Russia: Gen Kirillov killed in assassination. Who was he?
Investigators determined that the bomb had an explosive force equivalent to 200 grams of TNT. The scooter with the explosives was detonated as Kirillov and his assistant were entering the building. An informant for Interfax-Ukraine emphasised that Igor Kirillov was a war criminal, which made him a justified target for the local services. The general was known for his accusations against the United States of developing biological weapons in Ukraine. In October, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Kirillov for the use of chemical weapons during attacks in Ukraine.
Investigators and forensic experts are working at the explosion site. In connection with this event, Russian services have launched an investigation. The Russians are already threatening those responsible for the killing of the officer and his assistant with consequences. It is worth mentioning that this is not the first death of a high-ranking military commander in Russia. Since the onset of the invasion of Ukraine, many have died—either on the front or under "mysterious circumstances".
