Igor Kirillov, a notorious Russian general, died in a Moscow explosion. He was head of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defence troops. The West accused him of overseeing chemical weapons use on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Kirillov’s death was caused by explosives in an electric scooter. The scooter blew as he left his apartment building in south-eastern Moscow. Ukraine’s SBU security service claimed responsibility, calling it a special operation. Kirillov was known for outlandish briefings at the Russian defense ministry.
He was labeled a significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation by the UK Foreign Office. Kirillov headed Russia’s Timoshenko Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Academy. He led the Russian Army’s Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops in 2017.
The UK Foreign Office accused Kirillov’s forces of deploying barbaric chemical weapons in Ukraine, including riot control agents and toxic choking agents. Ukraine’s SBU charged Kirillov in absentia with using banned chemical weapons. Over 4,800 cases of chemical munitions have been cited since the Russian invasion in 2022.
Kirillov’s death is a significant blow to Russia. It also shows Ukraine’s ability to target high-profile officials in Moscow. Consequently, Igor Kirillov’s death has left a lasting impact on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Furthermore, Kirillov’s death was widely condemned by Russian officials. The deputy speaker of Russia’s upper house of parliament called it an irreparable loss. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s SBU continues to investigate Kirillov’s involvement in chemical weapons use.
In addition, the international community is closely watching the situation. The igor Kirillov death highlights the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Moreover, it raises concerns about the use of chemical weapons in the region.
