Russian general killed in Moscow blast linked to Ukraine

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 (December 17th). According to the Meduza portal, it was a special operation by the Security Service of Ukraine. The explosion took place in front of a residential building on Ryazansky Prospect, about 4 miles 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. It is most likely Kirillov and his assistant. As they turn left, the explosion occurs. The force of the blast is enormous. Debris flies through the air, with some of it obscuring the camera that recorded the attack.

Investigators determined that the bomb had an explosive force equivalent to 7 ounces of TNT. The scooter with the explosives was detonated as Kirillov and his assistant were entering the building. An informant for Interfax-Ukraine emphasized 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 US 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 that those responsible for the killing of the officer and his assistant will face consequences. It is worth noting 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."