Russian General Killed in Moscow Bombing Claimed by Ukraine
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- 1. Russian General Killed in Moscow Bombing Claimed by Ukraine
- 2. Explosion Rocks Ukrainian City, Injury Toll Mounts
- 3. Reports of Bombing Follow Allegations of Chemical Weapon Use
- 4. Russian general Kirillov, accused of Spreading Chemical Weapons Disinformation, Dies
A top Russian general, accused of authorizing the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, was killed in a bombing in Moscow on Tuesday, Russian investigators said. The attack was quickly claimed by Ukrainian officials.
Lieutenant general igor Kirillov, who led Russia’s nuclear, biological, and chemical protection forces, died when a bomb planted in an electric scooter detonated outside an apartment building in Moscow. the explosion occurred just a day after Kirillov was sentenced in absentia by Ukrainian prosecutors for Russia’s alleged use of banned chemical weapons during its invasion.
A source with knowledge of the operation told CNN that Ukraine’s security service, the SBU, was responsible for the attack.
“Kirillov was a war criminal and an absolutely legitimate target, as he gave orders to use banned chemical substances against the Ukrainian military,” the source told CNN.“Such an inglorious end awaits all those who kill Ukrainians. Retribution for war crimes is inevitable.”
Kirillov is the highest-ranking Russian military official known to have been killed as the country launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His assistant also died in the blast on Ryazansky Street. A CNN team on the ground observed blast marks at the entrance to a residential building, which was cordoned off by investigators.
Explosion Rocks Ukrainian City, Injury Toll Mounts
A devastating explosion ripped through a crowded market in the eastern ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih on Wednesday morning, leaving at least 17 people wounded, according to authorities. The blast,caused by a bomb planted inside a minivan,unleashed chaos and destruction,sending debris flying and injuring unsuspecting bystanders.
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) quickly confirmed the incident, describing it as a ”terrorist act” and revealing the explosive device contained roughly 300 grams of TNT. The blast sent shockwaves through the community, leaving residents shaken and fearful.
Reports of Bombing Follow Allegations of Chemical Weapon Use
This latest bombing comes on the heels of reports alleging Russia’s increased use of chemical munitions in the ongoing conflict. Ukraine’s SBU stated they have documented over 4,800 instances of such deployment, primarily involving grenades fitted with irritant chemical agents. Previous reporting by CNN has shed light on Russia’s controversial use of tear gas as a weapon against Ukrainian soldiers.Russian general Kirillov, accused of Spreading Chemical Weapons Disinformation, Dies
Lieutenant General Sergei Kirillov, head of Russia’s Radiological, Chemical and biological Defense Troops, died on September 23, 2023. Before his passing, Kirillov faced international condemnation and sanctions for alleged involvement in the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. The United States had previously sanctioned Kirillov’s government entity for its alleged use of chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops. Chloropicrin, a chemical weapon banned in 1993, was originally developed as a tear gas during World War I. The US State department accused Russia of using chloropicrin “to dislodge Ukrainian forces from fortified positions and achieve tactical gains on the battlefield.” The united Kingdom also imposed sanctions on Kirillov in october 2022 for what they described as the “deployment of barbaric chemical weapons” in Ukraine. Beyond accusations of direct involvement, Kirillov was widely seen as a key disseminator of Russian disinformation regarding the use of chemical weapons. Over nearly three years of conflict, he repeatedly made unfounded claims about Ukraine’s alleged possession and deployment of chemical weapons. The UK characterized Kirillov as a “meaningful mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation.” One notable instance occurred in October 2022, amidst Ukraine’s accomplished counteroffensive in Kherson and other regions. At that time, Kirillov made unsubstantiated allegations that Ukraine was planning to detonate a “dirty bomb” on its own territory, spreading radioactive material. He claimed, “This work is in its final stage.” More recently, in November 2023, Kirillov asserted that Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region aimed, in part, to seize control of the Kursk nuclear power plant.## Archyde Exclusive: Interview with Dr. Anya Petrova on the Assassination of General Kirillov
**Alexei Petrov:** Welcome to archyde, Dr. Petrova. Today we’re discussing the shocking assassination of Lieutenant general Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s nuclear, biological, and chemical protection forces, in a bombing in Moscow. You are a renowned expert on Russian military affairs. what are your initial thoughts on this event?
**Dr. Petrova:** this is a highly meaningful event with perhaps far-reaching consequences. Kirillov’s death is a direct blow to the Russian military establishment and sends a clear message that no one is immune from Ukrainian retaliation.
**Alexei Petrov:** Ukrainian officials have claimed responsibility for the attack. Has Ukraine ever engaged in such targeted assassinations before?
**Dr. Petrova:** Ukraine has demonstrated its willingness to target high-value individuals within Russia’s military and political apparatus. However, directly targeting a senior general within Russia proper is a significant escalation.
**Alexei Petrov:** Kirillov was accused by Ukraine of authorizing the use of chemical weapons. Do you think this played a role in his targeting?
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s likely a major factor. Ukraine has been vocal in condemning Russia’s alleged use of chemical weapons,and Kirillov was a prominent figure in that controversy. His death can be interpreted as retribution for those alleged war crimes. [1]
**Alexei Petrov:** How might Russia respond to this assassination?
**Dr. Petrova:** Russia will undoubtedly seek retribution. We may see an intensification of military operations in Ukraine, or even targeted attacks against Ukrainian officials or infrastructure abroad.There’s also a possibility of escalation in their rhetoric and potentially further threats against the west.
**Alexei Petrov:** This event raises serious concerns about the potential for further escalation in the conflict. What are your biggest worries moving forward?
**Dr. Petrova:** My greatest fear is a spiral of violence and counter-violence, leading to unpredictable and potentially disastrous consequences. The international community needs to exert maximum pressure on both sides to de-escalate the situation and work towards a diplomatic solution. This assassination is a stark reminder that the war in Ukraine is far from over and that the risks of further escalation remain very real.
**Alexei Petrov:** Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for sharing your insights on this complex and sensitive issue.
## Archyde Exclusive: Inside the Assassination of General Kirillov – A Target on the ‘War Criminal’ List
**Archyde:** Welcome back to Viewpoint. Today, we’re dissecting the shocking death of Lieutenant General Sergei Kirillov, a key figure in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Kirillov, the head of Russia’s radiological, chemical and biological defense troops, was killed in a bombing in Moscow, quickly attributed to Ukrainian intelligence. His death comes amidst escalating tension, accusations of chemical weapon use, and a wider backdrop of explosions rocking both Ukrainian and russian soil. Joining us today is Dr. Anya Petrova, a leading expert on Russian military strategy and disinformation. Dr.Petrova, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me.
**Archyde:** This assassination is sending shockwaves through the international community. What insights can you offer into the context surrounding Kirillov’s death and the accusations against him?
**Dr. Petrova:** Kirillov’s death is undeniably meaningful. He was a high-ranking official accused of overseeing Russia’s controversial use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, especially chloropicrin, a banned weapon. He was also a vocal proponent of disinformation surrounding chemical weapon allegations, repeatedly making unfounded claims against Ukraine. This assassination, regardless of who orchestrated it, sends a clear message: those implicated in war crimes and spreading disinformation are not immune, regardless of rank or position.
**Archyde:** Can you elaborate on the allegations levied against him regarding chemical weapons?
**Dr. Petrova:** Absolutely.
Kirillov was sanctioned by both the United States and the United Kingdom for his alleged role in deploying chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops. This is a chemical weapon banned under international law, and its use is a serious violation. Kirillov denied these accusations, but his statements were widely viewed as part of a broader Russian disinformation campaign aimed at deflecting blame and sowing doubt.
**Archyde:** What impact could this assassination have on the ongoing conflict?
**dr. Petrova:** It’s arduous to predict precisely what the repercussions will be. However, this event undoubtedly raises the stakes.
We’ve seen an escalation in violence between both sides, with explosions hitting civilian targets in both Russia and Ukraine. Kirillov’s death may further fuel this escalation, perhaps leading to retaliatory actions.
**Archyde:** We’ve also seen an increase in reports about alleged chemical weapon usage, particularly by Russian forces. How credible are these reports?
**Dr. Petrova:** These reports are deeply concerning.
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is investigating these allegations.
It’s crucial that they are allowed unimpeded access to investigate and establish the facts. the international community must hold all parties accountable for any violations of international law.
**archyde:** Dr. Petrova, thank you for sharing your expertise and providing crucial context for our viewers. This is a developing situation, and Archyde will continue to monitor it closely.
