Bomb Hidden in Electric Scooter Kills Russian General in Moscow
A powerful explosion in Moscow has claimed the lives of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defence Forces (NBC), and his assistant. The blast occurred early on Tuesday as Kirillov was leaving a residential building.
According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, the explosion was caused by a remotely detonated device hidden in an electric scooter. State news agency Tass reported that the device was triggered from a distance.
Background on the General
Kirillov, 54, had been a prominent figure in the Russian military. In October, the UK imposed sanctions on him, accusing him of overseeing the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine and spreading Kremlin disinformation. He was also accused of being responsible for the mass deployment of chemical weapons by Russia during the war in Ukraine.
On Monday, Ukraine’s security service, the SBU, charged Kirillov in absentia for his role in the chemical attacks. According to the SBU, over 4,800 chemical weapon attacks were carried out under his leadership. These weapons reportedly targeted Ukrainian soldiers, with some attacks carried out using drones. However, Moscow denies these allegations.
Explosion Details and Investigation
Images from the scene of the explosion show significant damage to the building entrance, with scorch marks on the walls and windows blown out. Two body bags were visible on the street, confirming the deaths of Kirillov and his aide.
Russian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the deaths of the two servicemen. Forensic experts and investigators are working at the scene to determine the full circumstances of the attack. The explosive device used in the attack was reported to have an explosive force equivalent to 300 grams of TNT.
Bomb experts and search dogs have thoroughly inspected the area, but no additional explosives were found.
Sanctions and International Allegations
As part of the UK sanctions, Kirillov was subjected to an asset freeze and a travel ban. In May, the US accused Russia of using chemical weapons as a method of warfare in Ukraine, specifically chloropicrin, a choking agent. This use of chemical weapons was deemed a violation of international laws.
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According to Ukrainian Col. Artem Vlasiuk, over 2,000 Ukrainian service members have been treated for chemical poisoning, and at least three people have died as a result of these attacks.
Kirillov’s Military Career
Before his role as head of the NBC, Kirillov served in various positions related to radiation, chemical, and biological defense. He was appointed to lead the NBC in 2017. His leadership during the conflict in Ukraine has drawn significant international condemnation.
Despite the accusations, Russia continues to reject all claims of chemical weapon use as “baseless”.
