Russian General Assassinated in Moscow, Suspect Arrested
Russian authorities have detained an Uzbek national in connection with the assassination of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s chemical, radiological, and biological weapons unit. The suspect, identified as Akhmad Kurbanov, allegedly carried out the attack under the direction of Ukrainian special services.
The Attack
Kirillov and his assistant, Ilya Polikarpov, were killed on Tuesday when an explosive device was detonated on an electric scooter parked outside Kirillov’s residence in Moscow. The explosion left visible damage to the apartment building and scattered debris across the area.
Russia’s Investigative Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko stated that Kurbanov had been promised $100,000 and European residency in exchange for the attack. Kurbanov reportedly rented a car, installed a surveillance camera, and broadcasted the explosion online.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has claimed responsibility for the assassination. However, the U.S. Pentagon has denied involvement, with spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder emphasizing, “We were not aware of this operation in advance and do not support such actions.”
Kirillov’s Legacy and Controversies
The assassination occurred a day after Ukraine charged Kirillov with deploying banned chemical weapons during Russia’s invasion. British sanctions had also been imposed on him in October for his alleged role in using chemical choking agents like chloropicrin on the battlefield.
Kirillov, who had served in various leadership roles within Russia’s chemical and biological defense forces since 2009, was described by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova as a fearless and patriotic figure. “He met problems head-on. For the Motherland, for the truth,” she wrote in a tribute.
Escalating Covert Warfare
The assassination marks the latest in a series of covert operations and sabotage acts amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have targeted key Russian figures, including Valery Trankovsky, a naval captain, and Sergei Yevsyukov, a former prison official overseeing Ukrainian prisoners of war. Both were killed in separate car bombings.
Ukraine’s special forces have used such unconventional tactics to strike morale-boosting blows while conserving resources in the face of Russia’s massive military.
Broader Context
The assassination comes as Russia reportedly gains ground in eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian special forces claimed on Tuesday to have killed 50 North Korean troops stationed in Russia’s Kursk region—the first confirmed casualties of North Korean personnel sent to support Moscow’s efforts in the conflict.
Maj. Gen. Ryder confirmed that North Korean forces have sustained casualties but did not provide specific numbers.
The incident underscores the intensifying shadow war between the two nations, with Ukraine employing sabotage and assassinations as part of its strategy to counter Russia’s military advantages.
