Moscow, December 17, 2024 – In a shocking development, General Igor Kirillov, the Chief of Russia's Nuclear and Chemical Defense Forces, has been killed in an explosion that occurred outside a building on Ryazansky Prospekt in Moscow. The blast also claimed the life of his assistant.
According to the Russian Investigative Committee, the explosive device was hidden in an electric scooter and detonated remotely as General Kirillov exited the building. Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson for the Investigative Committee, declared the incident a terrorist attack and confirmed that a full investigation is underway.
Ukrainian media, citing sources close to the Ukrainian National Security Agency (SBU), reported that the operation was a targeted strike conducted by Ukrainian intelligence services. However, official Ukrainian authorities have yet to make a formal statement regarding their involvement in the attack.
General Kirillov, 54, had been at the helm of the Nuclear and Chemical Defense Forces since April 2017. His death marks one of the highest-profile military fatalities in Moscow in recent years.
This assassination follows accusations against Kirillov, who was alleged by Ukraine on December 16 to have ordered the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian defense forces. In October 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Kirillov, accusing him of being responsible for deploying prohibited weaponry.
Russian officials have vehemently condemned the attack, vowing to bring those responsible to justice. The incident has escalated tensions in the region, with both sides trading accusations and bracing for potential retaliatory measures.
This event not only represents a significant loss for the Russian military but also raises serious concerns about the security measures in place for high-ranking military officials. The international community watches closely as the situation develops, awaiting further details from the ongoing investigation.
