A Russian general wanted by Ukraine for using chemical weapons was killed by a remotely detonated bomb in Moscow on Tuesday, according to Russian authorities. Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, who oversaw Russia’s nuclear, biological, and chemical protection forces, was killed by an explosive device planted in an electric scooter outside an apartment building southeast of the Kremlin.
The blast also claimed the life of Kirillov’s assistant. A criminal investigation into the incident is currently underway, with forensic experts and operational services working at the scene to determine the circumstances of the crime.
Video footage from Russian Telegram channels showed emergency service officers assessing the damage outside the building where the explosion occurred. The explosive device, detonated remotely, was reported to have had a power equivalent to 300 grams of TNT.
The site of the explosion has been cordoned off as investigations continue. Kirillov’s death came shortly after Ukrainian prosecutors charged him in absentia for the use of banned chemical weapons in the conflict with Ukraine.
The Security Service of Ukraine alleged that over 4,800 instances of Russian chemical munition use had been recorded on Kirillov’s orders since the war began. The general had previously been sanctioned by Britain for his involvement in deploying chemical weapons and spreading disinformation to conceal Russia’s actions.
The UK foreign office, in a statement from October, condemned Kirillov for his role in using inhumane chemical weapons and promoting Kremlin propaganda. The general was described as a key figure in Russia’s aggressive behavior and misinformation campaigns.
