Russian Army General, Head of Chemical Defense Forces, Killed in Moscow Explosion

On December 17, at around 6:00 a.m., a powerful explosion occurred in the Nizhgorod district of Moscow. As a result of the incident, the head of the radiation, chemical and biological defense troops of the Russian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, and his assistant Ilya P. were killed.

According to witnesses, the explosion occurred when the general and his aide were leaving the house. According to initial estimates, investigators believe that the explosive device may have been planted on a scooter parked near the house. The explosion had a force equivalent to 200 grams of TNT, and the blast destroyed the windows and the front door of the house. The general's official car was also seriously damaged.

Russia's Investigative Committee said it has opened a criminal case into the incident. Investigators, forensic experts and security services are currently working at the scene. The Moscow prosecutor's office has taken control of the case.

Who was Kirillov?

Igor Kirillov, 54, has been leading the radiation, chemical and biological defense troops of the Russian Armed Forces since 2017. He graduated from the Tymoshenko Military Academy of Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense, and later served as the head of the academy.

Ukrainian media and the Security Service have accused General Kirillov of war crimes. According to Ukrainian investigators, he personally ordered the use of chemical weapons during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The Ukrainian side suspects the Russian army of using these weapons more than 4,800 times.

The Moscow bombing is one of the most significant incidents involving the deaths of senior Russian military officials, drawing international attention. While the details of the incident are still unclear, security measures are expected to be further tightened in the wake of the incident.