A Russian general accused of chemical weapons use in Ukraine has been killed in a Moscow explosion, with Ukraine claiming responsibility.
At a Glance
- Russian Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov killed in Moscow explosion on December 17.
- Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claims responsibility for the assassination.
- Kirillov was sanctioned by UK and Canada for alleged chemical weapons use.
- Russia denies chemical weapons accusations, launches terrorism investigation.
- Former Russian President Medvedev vows retaliation for the attack.
Assassination of a Controversial Russian General
In a startling development, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops, was reportedly killed by a bomb in Moscow on December 17. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has claimed responsibility for the attack, which also claimed the life of Kirillov’s unnamed assistant. The incident has heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow launching a terrorism investigation into the matter.
Kirillov, a high-ranking officer in the Russian military, had been a controversial figure due to his alleged involvement in chemical weapons attacks in Ukraine. The British government had previously sanctioned Kirillov, accusing him of being “responsible for helping deploy these barbaric weapons” and describing him as “a significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation, spreading lies to mask Russia’s shameful and dangerous behavior.”
Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov met his demise in Moscow on Dec. 17, reportedly killed by a bomb attached to a scooter planted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
Who was Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov?https://t.co/Fghf2WEBek
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) December 17, 2024
Accusations of Chemical Warfare
The use of chemical weapons in warfare is strictly prohibited by international law. However, Ukrainian forces have reported over 4,800 cases of gas attacks since the full-scale invasion began. The US State Department has stated, “The use of such chemicals is not an isolated incident, and is probably driven by Russian forces’ desire to dislodge Ukrainian forces from fortified positions and achieve tactical gains on the battlefield.”
Reports indicate that FPV drones have been used to drop gas grenades on Ukrainian positions. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has confirmed the use of CS gas, a riot control agent, in Ukraine, which is prohibited as a method of warfare. Despite these reports, Russia maintains its innocence, with Kirillov having previously stated, “Russia destroyed all stockpiles of chemical weapons in September 2017.”
International Sanctions and Investigations
In response to the alleged use of chemical weapons, both the United States and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on the Russian RKhBZ unit and Kirillov personally. The British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, emphasized, “The U.K. will not sit idly by whilst (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and his mafia state ride roughshod over international law, including the Chemical Weapons Convention.”
The OPCW’s ability to conduct thorough investigations has been limited due to the lack of invitations from either Russia or Ukraine. This has made it challenging to independently verify the claims of chemical weapons use on the battlefield.
Russian Response and Potential Consequences
The assassination of General Kirillov has prompted a strong response from Russian officials. Former President Dimitri Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, called the incident a terrorist act and promised retaliation. “Today, as a result of a terrorist act, our colleague and comrade was killed,” Medvedev stated, adding ominously, “Law enforcement must find the murderers in Russia,” and warning of “inevitable retaliation.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova defended Kirillov’s legacy, stating that “He worked fearlessly.” The assassination has undoubtedly escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with potential implications for the ongoing conflict and international relations in the region.
As investigations continue and diplomatic responses unfold, the international community watches closely to see how this latest development will impact the already volatile situation in Eastern Europe.
Sources:
- General Igor Kirillov, the Russian chemical weapons chief and propagandist assassinated by Ukraine
- Ukraine’s security service claims assassination of Russian general sanctioned for chemical weapons use
- The chemical weapon accusations against the general killed in Moscow
- Ukraine Assassinates Prominent Russian General
