Kirillov was leading Russia’s radioactive, chemical and biological defence troops [File: Russian Defence Ministry/Handout/AFP]
Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Forces, was killed on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in a bomb attack in Moscow. The explosion occurred outside an apartment building on Ryazansky Prospekt and also claimed the life of his assistant.
The Russian investigative committee confirmed the bomb was concealed inside an electric scooter and detonated with a force equivalent to 300 grams of TNT. Disturbing photographs shared on Telegram revealed rubble, blood-stained snow, and the shattered building entrance where the incident occurred.
A source within Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for the attack, describing General Kirillov as a “legitimate target.” Both Reuters and AFP cited the SBU source, while Ukraine’s government has yet to make an official statement.
General Kirillov led Russia’s specialized troops trained to operate in hazardous conditions involving radioactive, chemical, or biological contamination. The attack has prompted outrage in Moscow, with Russian officials accusing Ukraine of escalating attacks within Russian borders.
Deputy head of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev labeled the bombing a distraction from Ukraine’s military setbacks and warned of “inevitable retribution” against Kyiv’s leadership. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova criticized Western nations for their silence on the assassination.
Local residents in the area have raised concerns about inadequate surveillance, stating that security cameras near the building had not been functional for years. Al Jazeera’s Maria Shapovalova reported on longstanding complaints from residents about the lack of proper monitoring in the neighborhood.
This attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Moscow has previously accused Ukraine of high-profile killings, including the 2022 car bombing of Darya Dugina, the daughter of Russian ultranationalist Alexander Dugin.
As investigations continue, the incident raises questions about security vulnerabilities in Moscow and the intensifying shadow war between the two nations.
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