Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, Russia’s top nuclear and chemical defense commander, was assassinated in Moscow early this morning in a bombing reportedly carried out by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). Kirillov, 54, was killed along with his assistant when an explosive device, hidden inside an electric scooter, detonated as they exited an apartment building. The attack marks one of the highest-profile assassinations inside Russia since the war began.
The explosion occurred in Moscow’s southeast district on Ryazansky Prospekt. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud blast, with some initially mistaking the sound for nearby construction activity. Footage from the aftermath showed shattered windows, charred brick walls, and what appeared to be two bodies covered with black sheets lying in the snow. Russian investigators quickly arrived on the scene and launched a criminal probe into the incident.
A source from Ukraine’s SBU confirmed their involvement, calling Kirillov “a legitimate target” due to his alleged role in the use of banned chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops. This admission aligns with Ukraine’s recent statements that targeted strikes against Russian officials involved in war crimes are justified. Ukrainian prosecutors had charged Kirillov in absentia just a day before the attack, accusing him of overseeing the use of toxic choking agents, such as chloropicrin, on the battlefield.
Kirillov, who led Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops since 2017, was a controversial figure. He frequently appeared on state television accusing Ukraine and the West of violating international safety protocols while denying allegations against Russia. Western governments, however, took a different stance. In October, the United Kingdom sanctioned Kirillov and his unit for the alleged use of chemical weapons, including riot control agents, in Ukraine. The U.S. State Department has also accused Russia of deploying toxic agents to gain advantages in combat.
In the hours following the assassination, Russian officials vowed retribution. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, stated that Ukraine’s leadership would face “inevitable retribution” for the attack. Russia has long accused Ukraine of carrying out targeted killings on Russian soil since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. High-profile cases include the 2022 car bombing of Darya Dugina, the daughter of a Russian nationalist, and the 2023 death of pro-war blogger Vladlen Tatarsky in a cafe explosion.
This latest incident underscores the growing reach of Ukraine’s intelligence operations deep inside Russian territory. The method of attack—an improvised explosive device hidden in a scooter—indicates careful planning and execution. Experts believe such targeted assassinations serve multiple purposes: punishing those accused of war crimes, eroding morale among Russia’s military leadership, and sending a clear message to Moscow.
Residents in the area expressed shock at the explosion. “I thought it was just something falling at a construction site,” said one local, Olga Bogomolova. Another witness described seeing the aftermath, with broken windows and emergency services quickly arriving.
Kirillov’s death also brings renewed attention to Russia’s alleged use of chemical weapons. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly reported incidents of chemical poisoning during combat, with over 2,000 soldiers requiring treatment and several fatalities attributed to toxic agents. Russia denies these allegations, maintaining that its military operations comply with international laws.
While Ukraine has not officially commented on the attack, media outlets and SBU sources have emphasized its role as part of a broader strategy to hold Russian officials accountable for war crimes. Kirillov’s name had appeared on Ukraine’s Myrotvorets (“Peacemaker”) database, a list of individuals considered enemies of the state. Following the explosion, the database marked his profile with the word “Liquidated” in red.
As Russia reels from the assassination, security measures for senior officials are expected to tighten. The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by Russian leadership, even within the capital. With tensions between Ukraine and Russia showing no signs of easing, such targeted operations are likely to persist, further intensifying the conflict that has already stretched into its third year.
Moscow’s response remains to be seen, but the assassination of General Kirillov is a stark reminder of how the war continues to impact both nations, reaching far beyond the front lines.
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence and was created by the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation.
