Russian General Igor Kirillov sanctioned over chemical weapon use in Ukraine killed in Moscow blast (WATCH)

By Sunita Iyer | First Published Dec 17, 2024, 11:47 AM IST

A senior Russian general, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, was killed in a bombing outside a residential building in Moscow on Tuesday.

A Russian General in charge of radiation, chemical, and biological protection forces has been killed in an explosion in Moscow, according to the country’s investigative committee. Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was killed outside an apartment building on Ryazansky Prospekt, located about 7 km (4.35 miles) southeast of the Kremlin. The explosion was reportedly caused by a device concealed inside an electric scooter. Kirillov’s assistant was also killed in the blast.

This incident comes a day after Ukrainian prosecutors charged Kirillov with using banned chemical weapons in Ukraine, as reported by the Kyiv Post. The UK had imposed sanctions on Kirillov in October for his involvement in the transfer and use of chemical weapons in Ukraine.

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A criminal investigation has been launched regarding the deaths. According to Russian news agency Tass, investigators and forensic experts are working at the scene alongside other emergency service personnel.

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the Commander of the Russian Armed Force’s Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence Unit, as well as one of his Deputies were Killed in a Bombing earlier tonight at the Entrance to an Apartment Building in the Ryazansky District of Moscow. pic.twitter.com/FhbzUuwwlj

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender)

💥 Russia: Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov in charge of Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense Forces (NBC) in the Russian Armed Forces and his assistant assassinated in an explosion in Moscow on Ryazansky Prospect. pic.twitter.com/v6dQgMWEPQ

— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko)

The head of the Russian military's RKhBZ troops Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant were both killed in an explosion in Moscow as they left an apartment building. The explosive may have been planted on a scooter parked near the entrance.https://t.co/mCdZUc4leA… pic.twitter.com/0MNHfjGe8g

— Rob Lee (@RALee85)

In recent months, Kirillov had been the subject of international scrutiny. In October, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on him, accusing him of overseeing the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine and acting as a spokesperson for Kremlin disinformation. The Ukrainian security service, SBU, also charged him in absentia on Monday, accusing him of responsibility for the mass use of banned chemical weapons in the conflict.

Kirillov’s death marks a significant blow to the Russian military's NBC defense forces, which play a crucial role in protecting the country from chemical, biological, and nuclear threats.

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