Ukrainian Spies Claim Role in Mysterious Death of Russian General

Ukrainian Security Service Targets Alleged Russian War Criminal

Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, commander of the Russian Armed Forces’ radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops, died under mysterious circumstances in Moscow on December 17. A source within the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed responsibility for the operation. The Kyiv Independent reported this alleged operation.

Assassination by Explosion: The Scenario

Kirillov and another member of the Russian service lost their lives in an apparent explosion occurring in the Russian capital on the morning of December 17. Ukrainian prosecutors had previously accused Kirillov of deploying unlawful chemical weaponry against Ukraine during conflicts.

The SBU informant disclosed that explosives strapped to a scooter detonated as Kirillov and his aide neared the entrance to a house on Ryazansky Prospect in Moscow.

"It is inevitable that there will be retribution for war crimes," the source proclaimed, adding that "Kirillov was a war criminal and entirely justified target, having commanded the deployment of illegal chemical weapons on Ukrainian soldiers".

However, external validation of these allegations remains unattained.

Investigation Unfolds, Accusations Levied

According to the Mash Telegram channel, the detonation took place at around 6 a.m. local time in the vicinity of a service car conveyed for Kirillov. Kommersant, a pro-state media outlet, uncovered that the purported murder weapon was a homemade explosive device carrying an equivalent of 300 grams of TNT.

The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened a terrorism investigation into the incident. Reports by the Russian news agency RBC, citing anonymous sources, suggest investigators are most inclined to attribute the incident to Ukraine.

This incident, if attributed to Ukraine, may heighten the already severe tensions between the two nations. An investigation by the Kyiv Independent in August showed escalating use of gas attacks by Moscow’s forces against Ukrainian troops. Anonymous interviews conducted by the Kyiv Independent also suggest these tactics have been effective for the Russian side.

In addition to this, Kirillov had been subject to sanctions from the United Kingdom in October over allegations of chemical weapons deployment on Ukrainian battlefields. Having held high-ranking positions within the radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops since 2012, Kirillov was appointed as the department's chief in 2017, according to reports by Meduza.