Top Russian General Accused of Chemical Weapons Use Assassinated in Moscow

In a high-profile assassination, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops, was killed on Tuesday morning in Moscow. The killing marks one of the most significant targeted hits on a senior Russian military figure since the start of the Ukraine war.

The explosion occurred outside an apartment building on Ryazansky Prospekt in Moscow, where Kirillov, 54, and his aide were killed as they approached the building’s entrance. Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed that a bomb concealed in an electric scooter was detonated, leaving the entrance of the building severely damaged, with shattered doors and blackened bricks.

Ukrainian Intelligence Claims Responsibility
A source within Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) confirmed to Reuters that the agency had orchestrated the attack. “The liquidation of the chief of the radiation and chemical protection troops of the Russian Federation is the work of the SBU,” the source stated.

The assassination comes just one day after Ukrainian prosecutors charged Kirillov in absentia with the alleged use of banned chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces. His name had also been listed in the Myrotvorets (Peacemaker) database — a controversial unofficial Ukrainian platform that labels people seen as “enemies” of Ukraine. Following his death, Kirillov’s photo on the website was marked with the word “Liquidated” in bold red letters.

Who Was Igor Kirillov?
Kirillov, who was married with two sons, was a prominent figure in Russia’s military, regularly appearing on state television. He led the Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops (RKhBZ), which are tasked with protecting Russian ground forces from nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.

In recent years, Kirillov became known for his public accusations against Ukraine and Western countries, often alleging that they were involved in chemical weapons-related crimes. In October 2024, the UK imposed sanctions on Kirillov and his forces, citing the use of riot control agents and allegations of employing chloropicrin — a choking agent — against Ukrainian soldiers.

Russia’s Reaction
The murder has sent shockwaves through Russia’s military and political circles. Former President Dmitry Medvedev, now a senior Russian security official, vowed revenge, saying Ukraine’s military and political leadership “faced imminent retaliation” for Kirillov’s killing.

Maria Zakharova, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, called Kirillov a fearless patriot who had “worked tirelessly for the Motherland” by exposing alleged Western crimes related to chemical weapons.

Pattern of Targeted Assassinations
The assassination of Lieutenant General Kirillov is part of a broader pattern of high-profile killings of Russian figures linked to the war on Ukraine. Since the war began in February 2022, several influential figures have been killed in targeted attacks:

• Darya Dugina (2022): Daughter of Russian nationalist ideologue Alexander Dugin, killed in a car bomb attack.
• Vladlen Tatarsky (2023): A pro-war blogger, killed in a cafe bombing.
• Russian Submarine Commander (2023): Shot and killed in an attack Kyiv described as justified for war crimes.

Investigation and Security Concerns
Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case into the murder of Kirillov and his aide. Reports from Russian media suggest that the case could be classified as a “terrorism-related” crime.

This assassination is likely to trigger heightened security protocols for senior Russian military officials and other high-profile figures. Analysts predict that Russia may increase counterintelligence efforts and intensify security measures for senior officials, especially those involved in operations linked to Ukraine.

With growing calls for retribution, Moscow’s next moves will be closely watched as the cycle of targeted killings continues to escalate.