Russian General Kirillov and Deputy Killed in Moscow Explosion, Ukraine Claims Responsibility

The head of Russia's biological and chemical weapons division, Lt. General Igor Kirillov, was killed in an explosion outside a Moscow apartment building on Tuesday, along with his deputy.

The explosion, which Russian authorities confirmed as a targeted attack, was reportedly carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), though this claim remains unverified.

Kirillov, who had been in charge of Russia’s biological and chemical weapons program since April 2017, was a key figure in the country's military operations, particularly known for his involvement in the use of banned chemical agents in Ukraine. Ukrainian sources, speaking to CBS News, described him as a "war criminal" and a “legitimate target” for his orders to deploy chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces.

The explosion, which took place near an apartment building, was triggered remotely by explosives attached to a scooter. Video footage circulating online appears to show Kirillov and his deputy exiting the building just moments before the blast.

According to Russian officials, the bomb that killed Kirillov and his assistant contained explosives equivalent to about 300 grams of TNT. The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed the deaths and began a forensic investigation into the attack, labeling it a terrorist act.

In a statement, Svetlana Petrenko, a spokesperson for the Investigative Committee, indicated that forensic experts were examining the scene to gather further details. "Investigative and search activities are being carried out to establish all the circumstances around this crime," Petrenko added.

Explosion Marks Major Attack on Russian Leadership

The U.S. State Department had previously imposed sanctions on Kirillov’s unit for its role in deploying chemical weapons in Ukraine, including the use of chloropicrin against Ukrainian soldiers. Kirillov’s unit had been the target of international sanctions, including from the U.K. and Canada, due to its involvement in these actions.

In March 2023, the U.S. government also accused Kirillov of spreading disinformation, notably alleging that the U.S. was involved in the creation of the mpox virus and other biological weapons. These false claims were viewed by the U.S. as potentially a precursor to a "false-flag" operation, where Russia could falsely blame Ukraine or the U.S. for using chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons.

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has stated that the attack on Kirillov was a form of retribution for his role in the chemical weapons campaign against Ukrainian troops. "Such an inglorious end awaits everyone who kills Ukrainians," an SBU source told CBS News. "Retribution for war crimes is inevitable."

This claim reflects the broader pattern of targeted attacks on prominent figures in the conflict, many of which have been attributed to Ukraine. Earlier incidents have included the killing of Darya Dugina, a pro-Kremlin ideologue's daughter, and the assassination of Illia Kiva, a pro-Moscow Ukrainian lawmaker.

Moscow Threatens Retaliation Against Ukraine

Following Kirillov’s death, Russia vowed to take immediate and severe action in response. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, warned of "imminent revenge" against Ukraine’s leadership for the attack. His statement came through Russian state media, and it highlighted the severity with which Russian authorities view the targeted killing of such a high-ranking military official.

Russian officials also underscored the strategic importance of Kirillov’s position, pointing to his leadership of the biological and chemical weapons division as central to Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. The SBU has recorded over 4,800 instances of chemical weapon use by Russian forces on the battlefield since the invasion began in February 2022.

The timing of the explosion has only intensified tensions between the two countries, as both sides continue to accuse each other of war crimes and atrocities. In December 2023, a Ukrainian court convicted Kirillov in absentia for his involvement in chemical weapon usage during the invasion.

Context of Ongoing Conflict and Targeted Attacks

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there have been several high-profile targeted attacks on individuals tied to Russian interests, many of which Ukraine has been accused of carrying out. The 2022 car bombing of Darya Dugina, which was believed to be targeting her father, and the 2023 killing of military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky, illustrate the broader pattern of covert operations believed to be conducted by Ukraine.

In December 2023, Ukrainian military intelligence praised the killing of Illia Kiva, a former Ukrainian lawmaker, in a targeted shooting near Moscow. Similarly, the killing of Sergei Yevsyukov, a former prison chief linked to war crimes, was attributed to Ukraine in a bombing in Donetsk. These incidents have continued to fuel the narrative of a covert war being waged beyond the battlefield.

Despite these escalations, Ukrainian officials remain tight-lipped about their role in the death of Kirillov. While SBU sources have claimed responsibility, the attack's precise origin remains unclear, with Ukraine neither confirming nor denying its involvement.

Reaction and Ongoing Investigations

The explosion has sparked a range of reactions in Moscow, from outrage over the death of a high-ranking official to a promise of swift retaliation against Ukraine. Investigators in Russia are still piecing together the details of the crime, with forensic experts examining the remnants of the bomb and working to identify potential suspects behind the attack.

As the investigation continues, international eyes are on the conflict, with attention focused on the implications of this latest escalation. Both sides have continued to accuse each other of atrocities and violations of international law, but the targeted killing of a prominent figure like Kirillov raises questions about the broader strategy and tactics being employed in this ongoing conflict.

With the war showing no signs of abating, the death of Lt. General Kirillov underscores the deepening tensions and the increasing likelihood of further targeted strikes as both nations grapple with the stakes of the conflict.