Ukraine Claims Responsibility for Shocking Assassination

Close-up of dictionary page defining assassination

Russian General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s chemical and biological defense forces, was killed in a Moscow explosion, with Ukraine claiming responsibility.

At a Glance

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, a high-ranking Russian official, was killed in a Moscow explosion on December 17.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for the assassination.
Kirillov was accused of deploying banned chemical weapons in Ukraine.
The incident has sparked a terrorism investigation in Russia.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev vowed retaliation for the attack.

Assassination Claims and Accusations

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops (RKhBZ), was reportedly killed by a bomb in Moscow on December 17. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has claimed responsibility for the attack, accusing Kirillov of being a war criminal for his alleged role in deploying banned chemical weapons against Ukrainian soldiers.

The incident has raised tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow launching a terrorism investigation into the explosion. The attack reportedly involved an explosive device planted in a scooter near an apartment building in Moscow, which also claimed the life of Kirillov’s assistant.

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov met his demise in Moscow on Dec. 17, reportedly killed by a bomb attached to a scooter planted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Who was Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov?https://t.co/Fghf2WEBek

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) December 17, 2024

Chemical Weapons Allegations

Kirillov had been a controversial figure, accused by Western nations of involvement in chemical weapon attacks in Ukraine. The British government had previously sanctioned him for the alleged use of riot control agents and chloropicrin, a chemical choking agent, on the battlefield. These accusations have been vehemently denied by Russia, with Kirillov himself claiming that all Russian chemical weapon stockpiles were destroyed in 2017.

Reports from Ukrainian soldiers indicate persistent use of chemical weapons by Russian forces, including teargas and chloropicrin. The United States and the United Kingdom have both accused Russia of using these banned substances, with the US announcing sanctions against the Russian RKhBZ unit for chemical weapon use.

International Reactions and Investigations

The assassination of General Kirillov has drawn strong reactions from Russian officials. Former President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, labeled the incident a terrorist act and promised retaliation. The Russian Investigative Committee, led by Alexander Bastrykin, has launched a terrorism investigation, suspecting Ukrainian involvement.

International organizations have been limited in their ability to investigate chemical weapons use in the ongoing conflict. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has confirmed the use of CS gas, a riot control agent prohibited in warfare, in Ukraine. However, the OPCW’s inquiries have been restricted due to lack of invitations from both Russia and Ukraine.

Implications for the Ongoing Conflict

The assassination of General Kirillov marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It demonstrates Ukraine’s capability to strike high-value targets deep within Russian territory, potentially shifting the dynamics of the war. The incident may lead to increased security measures for Russian military officials and could prompt retaliatory actions from Moscow.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community remains concerned about the potential use of chemical weapons in the conflict. The assassination of a key figure in Russia’s chemical and biological defense forces may further complicate efforts to investigate and prevent the use of such weapons on the battlefield.