Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the radiation, chemical, and biological protection troops of the Russian Armed Forces, and his assistant were killed in an explosion on Ryazansky Prospekt in Moscow.
As reported by Nastoyaschee Vremya and cited by Ukrinform, the explosion occurred on the first floor of a residential building.
The building is not gasified. Emergency services reported shattered glass from the first to third floors and damage to the front door.
Details of the Incident
According to local residents, the explosion happened as the men were leaving the building. The Astra Telegram channel reported that an explosive device had been planted on an electric scooter near the building’s entrance.
The Shot Telegram channel specified that the device contained approximately 200 grams of TNT and was attached to the scooter's handle. The detonation was reportedly carried out remotely at around 06:10 local time, just before a Toyota Camry company car, which was to take Kirillov to work, arrived at the entrance.
Investigators and forensic experts are working at the scene, and a criminal case has been opened.
About Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov
Kirillov, aged 54, had served as head of the radiation, chemical, and biological defense forces since May 2017.
He played a key role in the development and adoption of the TOS-2 "Tosochka" heavy flamethrower system into the Russian army’s arsenal. Kirillov’s name is also included in international sanctions lists.
On December 16, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) issued a suspicion in absentia against Kirillov.
The charges pertain to his alleged involvement in the use of chemical munitions during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Since the start of the war, Ukrainian authorities have documented over 4,800 cases of Russia employing chemical munitions under Kirillov’s orders. This includes the deployment of “K-1” combat grenades containing toxic irritants, such as CS and CN gases.
