Russian head of nuclear, biological forces blown up outside his home with bomb hidden in a scooter
Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defence Forces, was killed in a bomb explosion in Moscow today, December 17, 2024.
The device, concealed within an electric scooter, detonated near his residence, also claiming the life of his assistant.
Ukrainian sources have claimed responsibility for the attack.
An official from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) described Kirillov as a “war criminal and an entirely legitimate target,” citing his alleged involvement in deploying banned chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces.
Kirillov, 54, had been under international sanctions, including from the United Kingdom and Canada, for his role in Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
Notably, the SBU had recently opened a criminal investigation against him, accusing him of directing the use of prohibited chemical agents.
The method of assassination—an explosive device hidden in a scooter and detonated remotely—highlights the evolving tactics in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
This incident adds to a series of targeted attacks against Russian military officials linked to the war in Ukraine.
Russian authorities have initiated an investigation into the bombing, categorizing it as an act of terrorism.
The Kremlin has condemned the assassination and vowed to respond appropriately.
