Key Takeaways:
• Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces head, Lt. General Igor Kirillov, along with his deputy, dies in a Moscow explosion.
• Ukraine’s Security Service claims responsibility for the operation in a stand against alleged war crimes committed by Kirillov.
• The deadly bomb was remotely detonated with an impact similar to 300 grams of TNT.
• Russia’s government is treating the incident as a terrorist attack.
• Kirillov had previously been under international sanctions and was found guilty in absentia by a Ukrainian court for the use of banned chemical weapons.
• The attack comes amidst ongoing military operations by Russia in Ukraine.
Exploding Controversy in Moscow
On a chilly Tuesday morning, Moscow witnessed a fatal explosion that claimed the life of Lt. General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense Forces, along with his deputy. According to information received, a scooter rigged with explosives detonated as the high-ranking officials were entering an apartment building.
Ukraine Steps Up
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), in a surprising move, stepped forward claiming responsibility for the daring operation. Affirming this, a source within the SBU stated that Kirillov, labeled a war criminal by Ukraine, was a legitimate target due to his orders to use prohibited chemical weapons against the Ukrainian military.
Details of the Explosion
The precise nature of the bomb has been a topic of discussion among experts. It was remotely triggered and had an explosive force approximately equivalent to 300 grams of TNT, as per Russian state news. The force was enough to annihilate targeted individuals instantly and cause panic and havoc in the surrounding area.
Official Responses and Further Investigations
“Forensic experts and operational services are working tirelessly at the scene to ascertain all the circumstances surrounding this crime,” was the steadfast response from committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko. Russia is treating the incident as nothing less than a terrorist attack, an indication of how seriously the country views attacks on its soil and its officials.
Global Stance on Kirillov
Kirillov was not new to controversy, and his actions have drawn international ire. He faced sanctions from several countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada, creating a climate of opprobrium that extended beyond his homeland.
The Justice from Ukrainian Court
Adding to the plethora of charges and allegations, on December 16, a Ukrainian court found Kirillov guilty in absentia for using banned chemical weapons in Ukraine. The verdict was part of Ukraine’s attempts to hold Russian officials accountable for their actions during the long-drawn-out military operation that started in February 2022.
Chemical Weapons in Ukraine
Beyond courtrooms and international politics, the battleground tells its grim tale. The SBU reported more than 4800 instances of chemical weapons use, primarily K-1 combat grenades, since February 2022.
Unflinching Russia
Despite the mounting pressures, Russia’s military operations in Ukraine are ongoing and have been making gradual gains in the region. The advancement is seen as an effort from Russia to consolidate its control over nearly one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory.
Veteran in his Field
Kirillov leaves behind a legacy that dates back to April 2017 when he assumed his post. His untimely and controversial death brings an end to his tenure, leaving a vacuum at the helm of Russia’s nuclear, chemical, and biological defense strategy, and opening a fresh chapter in Russia-Ukraine relations.