A high-ranking Russian General Igor Kirillov has died in an explosion. The incident occurred on December 17, 2024, on Ryazansky Prospekt in Moscow. Kirillov’s assistant also has lost his life in the blast.
Initial reports suggest an improvised explosive device (IED) was the cause of the explosion. The device was hidden in an electric scooter parked near the entrance of a residential building. Investigators believe that the bomb was detonated remotely.
The 54-year-old General Kirillov was a key figure in Russia’s war in Ukraine. He was the incharge of the chemical, biological defense and radiology. Moreover, he was responsible for protecting against threats from chemical, nuclear and biological weapons.
In addition, Kirillov had been leading the NBC Protection Troops since 2017. He played a key role in developing Russia’s TOS-2 heavy flamethrower system. In 2022, he accused U.S.-funded biolabs in Ukraine of using bats and birds for biological warfare. Though international sources dismissed these claims.
Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched an inquiry into the explosion. Officials have labelled it an act of terrorism. No group has officially claimed responsibility, but speculation links the attack to Ukrainian operations.
Recently, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) accused Kirillov of war crimes. He was allegedly involved in the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces. A Ukrainian source has claimed to different news agencies that the killing of Lieutenant General Igor was a “special operation” by Ukraine’s SBU security service.
Kirillov’s death adds to growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Moscow has vowed to retaliate. International observers fear this could further destabilize the region.
