Deadly Attack on Chemical Weapons Chief: Russian Military General Assassination
The head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops, Igor Kirillov, was murdered in a startling bombing outside his apartment block in Moscow on Tuesday. The incident is the most major assassination of a Russian military officer on Russian soil during the continuing conflict with Ukraine, and it also killed his assistant.
Suspect Confession and Allegations in Russian Military General Assassination
Suspect’s Claims
According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, an Uzbek man has been detained and has allegedly confessed to the bombing. Key details of his confession include:
- went to Moscow as directed by the SBU security service of Ukraine.
- bought a homemade explosive device and an electric scooter.
- parked the scooter close to Kirillov’s residence after placing the bomb on it.
- installed a surveillance camera that was purportedly seen from Dnipro, Ukraine.
- When Kirillov exited the building, the explosive was remotely detonated.
- said that as an incentive, Ukraine provided $100,000 and European residency.
Ukraine’s Responsibility and Justification in the Russian Military General Assassination
The SBU intelligence service has taken responsibility for the killing, citing Kirillov’s alleged role in using chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops – a claim Russia vehemently denies.
International Reactions to Russian Military General Assassination
Russian Response
- Maria Zakharova, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, plans to raise the incident at the UN Security Council
- Accused the “Kyiv regime” of terrorism, suggesting manipulation by the United States and Britain
- President Putin has not publicly commented on the assassination
Western Reactions
- The United States State Department denied any involvement in the murder.
- According to a spokesman for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Kirillov “propagated an illegal invasion”
Escalating Tensions in the Russian Military General Assassination
Medvedev’s Provocative Statements
Former President Dmitry Peskov and Dmitry Medvedev have made inflammatory remarks:
- Criticized a London Times editorial calling the killing a “legitimate act of defense”
- Suggested Western officials providing military aid to Ukraine could become legitimate targets
- Issued thinly veiled threats against British journalists and officials
British Response
- Foreign Minister David Lammy condemned Medvedev’s statements as “gangster threats”
- The Times quoted Starmer’s spokesperson as taking Russian threats “incredibly seriously”
Broader Context of the Russian Military General Assassination
The assassination underscores the escalating brutality of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While Moscow holds Ukraine responsible for killings on Russian soil, Kyiv maintains that such actions are defensive measures against an existential threat.
Conclusion
As tensions continue to rise, this high-profile assassination represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with potential far-reaching diplomatic and military implications.
