By - News Beat
In a bold and highly targeted operation, Ukrainian intelligence agents reportedly killed Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of Russia's nuclear, biological and chemical protection troops. A top Russian official known for his role in Moscow's controversial chemical weapons program was killed in an explosion in Moscow on December 17, 2024.
Operation
The killing was done using a modern and precise method. Ukrainian operatives reportedly rigged an electric scooter with a bomb, replacing its battery with an explosive device. Explosives detonated in the distance as Kirillov and his assistant approached the scooter outside a residential complex in Moscow's Ryazansky Prospect area. Both persons died on the spot.
The explosion, equivalent to about 300 grams of TNT, caused considerable damage to the surrounding area. Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation, calling the incident a terrorist attack.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has claimed responsibility for the operation, calling Kirillov a legitimate military target. Ukrainian authorities accused Krylov of overseeing the deployment of banned chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces, including chemical agents such as chloropicrin and tear gas. These alleged attacks have reportedly resulted in a number of casualties among Ukrainian soldiers.
A senior Ukrainian intelligence official described the operation as part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to hold Russian leaders accountable for war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict.
Russian response
The Kremlin, along with Russia's Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, condemned the killing as an act of terrorism and promised immediate retaliation. Medvedev warned that Ukrainian leaders responsible for the operation would face immediate consequences.
Russian state media have called the attack an act of desperation on the part of Ukraine, alleging that such tactics are aimed at demoralizing the Russian military leadership.
The killing marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting Kiev's ability to operate inside Russian territory. This indicates Ukraine's increasing willingness to target high-profile individuals in an effort to undermine Russia's military infrastructure and deter further aggression.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Russian officials, even within Moscow, and is expected to increase security measures across the country. Moreover, analysts believe that such targeted attacks could provoke harsh retaliatory measures from the Kremlin, further inflaming tensions in the region.
The killing of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov represents a watershed moment in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, signaling that the stakes are higher than ever. As both nations double down on their respective strategies, the potential for increased tensions is high, with the international community watching closely.