The death of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, who led Russiaโs chemical, biological and radiation defense forces, has prompted accusations from Moscow that NATO allies are aiding Ukraine in carrying out terrorist acts. The general was killed Tuesday in a scooter bombing outside his Moscow apartment.
The explosive, described as highly advanced, was remotely detonated as Kirillov and an aide exited the building. Both were killed instantly, and Ukrainian officials quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, calling it justified.
๐ท๐บ #Russia ๐บ๐ฟ #Uzbekistan
โก๏ธThe 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 theโฆ https://t.co/ksoozUglD9 pic.twitter.com/v1CAtZBhMd
— Silvio do Quental (@SilviodoQuental) December 18, 2024
Ukraine accused Kirillov of overseeing chemical weapon deployments, with a Ukrainian official stating, โRetribution for war crimes is inevitable.โ The official cited over 4,800 documented uses of banned chemical agents by Russian forces under Kirillovโs command.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called the bombing a desperate act by Ukraine to prolong the war. โThose responsible will face severe consequences,โ Medvedev said, accusing Kyiv of trying to intimidate Russia and its military leadership.
๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
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 Russiaโs radiological, biological and chemical protectionโฆ 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.
Maria Zakharova of Russiaโs Foreign Ministry criticized the lack of Western condemnation, calling it tacit approval of terrorism. โUkraineโs allies are accomplices by remaining silent,โ she stated, adding that the Kremlin would not let such actions go unanswered.
This targeted killing has heightened tensions between Russia and NATO, with Moscow suggesting Western intelligence agencies may have supported Ukraineโs efforts. The assassination represents a dangerous new phase in the ongoing conflict.
