MOSCOW — The Investigative Committee of Russia has arrested an Uzbek national suspected of assassinating Igor Kirillov, a high-ranking general and chief of Russia’s Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops. Kirillov and his aide were killed in Moscow on 17 December 2024 when an explosive device attached to an electric scooter detonated outside his apartment.
Details of the Attack
Kirillov, who was 54, was considered one of the most influential military figures in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. According to reports, the suspect confessed that he was recruited by Ukrainian special forces to carry out the assassination. This attack marks one of the most significant retaliatory actions against a Russian military leader amid the ongoing war.
- Date of Attack: 17 December 2024
- Location: Outside Kirillov’s apartment in Moscow
- Method: Bomb attached to an electric scooter
Confession and Motivation
The 29-year-old suspect claimed he was promised US$100,000 (approximately S$136,000) and residency in a European country for carrying out the mission. Video footage released by news outlets shows him detailing his actions, from purchasing the scooter to remotely detonating the explosive device.
The Investigative Committee indicated that a surveillance camera placed in a hire car captured the event and streamed it to coordinators in Dnipro, Ukraine. This raises serious concerns over the operations conducted by Ukraine’s SBU intelligence service, which had confirmed its involvement in the operation, labeling Kirillov a “war criminal”.
Political Repercussions
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has condemned the assassination, calling it a terrorist attack, and plans to raise the issue at the United Nations Security Council. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the work of Russian intelligence services in this matter, describing Ukraine’s methods as “terrorist”. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev chimed in, criticising Western media perceptions regarding the assassination.
The US State Department distanced itself from the attack, denying any prior knowledge or involvement. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked that Kirillov had inflicted suffering on the Ukrainian people, further complicating the international narrative surrounding the incident.
The Bigger Picture
This incident is emblematic of the escalating tensions in the ongoing war, which has seen significant casualties and accusations on both sides. The killing of such a high-ranking officer highlights the precarious nature of military leadership amidst international conflicts.
The world will be watching how the situation unfolds, particularly as Russia prepares to address these developments in international forums…