MOSCOW: Russia announced the detention of an Uzbek man accused of murdering General Igor Kirillov in a bomb attack. Kirillov, the head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops, was killed outside his Moscow home. The explosion, caused by a bomb hidden in an electric scooter, also killed his assistant.
Authorities claim the suspect, born in 1995, confessed to carrying out the attack for Ukraine’s SBU intelligence service. He reportedly planted the explosive device, placed it outside Kirillov’s building, and detonated it remotely. Investigators revealed he was promised $100,000 and European residency in exchange for the assassination.
Russian officials stated the suspect used a surveillance camera in a rental car during the operation. Footage from the camera was reportedly monitored from Dnipro, Ukraine. Russia’s Investigative Committee said they were tracking other suspects and confirmed an additional arrest.
This incident marks the first assassination of a senior Russian general allegedly linked to Ukraine. Ukraine’s SBU intelligence agency claimed responsibility, accusing Kirillov of involvement in chemical weapon use against Ukrainian forces. Moscow has denied these allegations, calling Ukraine’s claims baseless.
Maria Zakharova, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, pledged justice and announced plans to address the killing at the United Nations. She labeled Ukraine’s government as a puppet controlled by Western powers, accusing them of supporting terrorism.
US Reaction
The U.S. State Department denied any connection or foreknowledge of the assassination. A British spokesperson stated Kirillov had enabled suffering in Ukraine due to his actions. Dmitry Medvedev condemned Western media, particularly a London Times editorial supporting the killing as a legitimate act of defense.
The Kremlin has not released a direct statement from President Vladimir Putin. Dmitry Peskov praised Russian intelligence for swift progress in the case and criticized Ukraine’s “terrorist tactics.”
Conclusion:
The assassination reflects rising tensions as Moscow blames Kyiv for attacks on Russian soil. Ukraine continues to argue that targeting war perpetrators is a justified response to Russia’s aggression.
