In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has confirmed the assassination of a high-ranking Russian military official in Moscow. Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, who led the Russian Armed Forces’ Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defense Troops, was killed in an explosion caused by a device planted in a scooter.
The incident occurred early Tuesday outside a residential building, also claiming the life of Kirillov's assistant.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Ukraine's primary domestic intelligence agency, has taken responsibility for the operation. This targeted attack is part of Ukraine's strategy to weaken Russian military capabilities and disrupt those who support the war effort.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing for nearly three years, resulting in significant casualties and the devastation of multiple Ukrainian cities.
In response to the attack, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia's Security Council, issued a statement through state newswire TASS. He accused Kyiv of attempting to extend the conflict and promised that Ukraine's military-political leadership would face "inevitable retribution."
The day before the assassination, the SBU had designated Kirillov as a suspect in a war crimes investigation. The Ukrainian intelligence agency accused him of commanding the use of prohibited chemical weapons in the war, with over 4,800 instances documented since the escalation of hostilities.
Russia has consistently refuted allegations from the United States that it has breached an international chemical weapons prohibition in Ukraine.
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