Why was Russian General Igor Kirillov a legitimate target for Kyiv?

Russian General Killed in Bombing, Ukraine Accuses Him of ‌Chemical Weapons Use

Lieutenant General Igor Kirilov, commander of russia’s Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Protection ‍(RKBZ) troops, was killed on December 17th, 2024, when a bomb planted in an ⁤electric scooter exploded as he left his apartment building in Moscow. The assassination, carried out by Ukrainian operatives, highlights the escalating tensions and ​targeted attacks on Russian‍ officials accused of war crimes. Mark ‍Galeotti, a leading expert on Russia and head of the beacon ‌Intelligence consultancy, emphasized that the‌ timing of the operation was no coincidence. Kirilov, 54,​ had been under British sanctions since 2017 for his alleged involvement in supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and their use⁢ of chemical weapons. He was also accused of spreading disinformation about biological warfare laboratories in Ukraine.

Accusations of Chemical Weapon Use

Just⁤ one day before the‌ bombing, Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU) formally accused Kirilov, in absentia, of being responsible for the “massive use of banned chemical weapons.” According to⁢ Galeotti, Ukrainian officials claim that over 2,000 ukrainian soldiers have required hospital ⁤treatment for exposure to asphyxiating substances since the start of the war. These substances include tear gas and the more potent chloropicrin, a chemical agent with a⁤ history of use in warfare dating back to ‍World War I.​ “Then, as now, chloropicrin was deployed to clear enemy trenches due to its ability to cause severe​ irritation to the lungs, eyes, and skin.” Galeotti noted. Reports indicate that at least three Ukrainian soldiers have died directly from chloropicrin attacks.

Ukraine’s Shadow War: Targeting Russia’s Commanders and Infrastructure

The assassination of⁣ Lieutenant General Kirilov, the highest-ranking Russian officer killed in a targeted operation away from the front lines, marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s covert war against Moscow. While this is not the first such attack on high-ranking Russian military⁣ personnel, it signals a growing trend of Ukrainian operations aimed at disrupting ‌Russia’s war machine and demoralizing its leadership.

Targeted Assassinsations and the Psychological Impact

Kirilov’s assassination follows a series​ of similar incidents targeting ​Russian officers and individuals implicated in war crimes. In⁤ November, Valery Trankovsky, Chief of Staff of the 41st Brigade of Missile Ships and Cutters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, was killed by a car bomb in Sevastopol. Earlier this ‌month, Sergey Evsyukov, the‍ former warden of Olenivka Prison, where dozens of ukrainian ⁢prisoners‍ of war perished in ​a suspicious rocket​ attack, was also killed in a car bombing. These targeted killings, along with the October death of ⁤Andriy Korotky, head of security at​ the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, who was accused of collaboration ⁢with the Russians, aim to ⁢strike at the morale of the Russian military and undermine support for the ⁢war effort. “By itself, that⁣ won’t stop this bloody war,” writes mark Galeotti ​of the British magazine The Spectator, “It’s about trying to build a critical ⁢mass of causes and people who just want it to stop.”

Cyber Warfare and Disinformation: A Multifaceted Assault

The conflict ⁤extends beyond physical attacks. Ukraine has intensified​ its cyberwarfare campaign against‌ Russia, targeting government websites, state-owned institutions, and critical infrastructure. According to Roskomnadzor,⁣ Russia’s media and internet regulator, a significant number of these attacks originate ⁤from ⁤Ukraine and aim to access classified data, disrupt national⁢ security systems, and spread disinformation. The Spectator points out that these virtual battles ⁢are frequently enough coupled with ⁤real-world⁢ consequences. The‌ assassination of pro-war figures like blogger Vladlen Tatarsky and darya Dugina,daughter of a prominent⁢ nationalist philosopher,while condemned by Ukraine,ultimately failed to silence the “turbo patriots.” Instead,these events transformed them into⁤ martyrs,further fueling their fervor.

moral Warfare: Undermining Support for the War

Beyond military targets, Ukraine aims to demoralize those directly involved in the war effort, including‍ Russian ⁢officers who may have reservations about the conflict. The public criticism of ‌the Russian army by a communist lawmaker in September, who questioned its descent into a “gang of thugs,” highlights the growing discontent within the ranks. The hope, as Galeotti notes, is to demonstrate that there is no impunity, even for high-ranking officials in Moscow. This, coupled with the mounting casualties and economic strain of the war, could encourage officers to disengage from the ⁢conflict.

Russia’s Response: Terrorism or Legitimate Retaliation?

In response to ​General Kirilov’s assassination,Russian‍ President vladimir Putin labeled Ukraine’s actions ⁢as “terrorist acts against Russian citizens” during his annual press conference on December 19. Senator Vladimir Chizhov echoed this sentiment, characterizing the assassination ⁣as a “gesture of desperation⁤ by the Kyiv regime,” while strangely suggesting that control over​ scooters in Moscow should be strengthened. Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev⁣ condemned the⁤ act as “state-sponsored terrorism” and vowed retaliation.

General Kirillov: Assassination Sparks Threats and Scrutiny

The assassination of General Viktor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear ⁣(CBRN) defense forces,⁤ has sent shockwaves through the international community. The killing, ‍attributed to Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU), has⁣ prompted an array of reactions, ⁤from threats of retaliation from Russian⁤ officials to renewed scrutiny of Kirillov’s alleged involvement in war crimes and chemical ‌weapon attacks.

Escalating​ Tensions:

Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president, issued a chilling response ​through his Telegram channel, branding NATO employees “legitimate military targets.” This declaration followed an editorial in the London Times, ⁤which condemned Kirillov’s killing as a “legitimate act of defense ‍carried out⁢ by a threatened state.” Medvedev accused The Times ​journalists of being complicit in “crimes against ​Russia,” warning of repercussions in London. His words appeared to evoke the‌ 2006 poisoning death of former Russian intelligence officer Alexander Litvinenko, for which the European Court of Human Rights later found Russia responsible.

Allegations ​of War Crimes:

The SSU alleges that Russian forces, under Kirillov’s​ command, deployed chemical weapons more than 4,800 ⁤times during the conflict in Ukraine. Reports suggest that drones where used to⁢ drop poisonous substances on Ukrainian positions. Investigations by both the Kyiv⁢ independent and the BBC have corroborated these claims, highlighting the increasing use of gas attacks by Moscow’s forces ‌as a tactic to incapacitate Ukrainian soldiers.

Kirillov’s Past:

General ⁤Kirillov’s involvement in other alleged atrocities has also come to light. He was reportedly linked to the 2018 Novichok poisoning of Sergei Skripal, a former double agent, in Salisbury, England. UK security experts beleive that troops under Kirillov’s command provided the means ⁤for the assassination attempt.‍ Furthermore, Ukrainian forces⁣ recently accused Kirillov of orchestrating the production of ⁤”dirty⁤ radiological bombs.” “General Kirillov was a truly evil man who contributed to the commission of crimes against humanity around the world,” stated Colonel Hamish de ⁣Breton-Gordon, a chemical weapons expert, in an interview with the Daily Telegraph. De ‍Breton-gordon emphasized that Kirillov’s death ⁣is a significant blow to Putin, highlighting the Russian leader’s weakened position following setbacks in Syria. The Daily Telegraph’s analysis concludes that Kirillov’s‍ assassination demonstrates Putin’s ⁣inability to protect even his closest⁤ allies, those who carry out his “dirty work,” even⁢ within Russia itself.

Using .htaccess or ⁣WordPress ‌Rewrite ‍for URL Rewriting

When it comes to tweaking your website’s URLs ⁢in WordPress, you have two ​primary options: using .htaccess or ⁤leveraging WordPress’s‍ built-in ​Rewrite API. Choosing the right method can depend on your specific needs and technical comfort level. [[1](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/16664579/url-rewriting-via-wordpress-rewrite-or-htaccess)] The .htaccess file, located in your website’s ⁢root directory, acts as a powerful configuration⁢ file that allows you to rewrite URLs at the server‍ level. This offers flexibility and control, especially for complex rewrite rules. Though, it requires some familiarity with Apache server configurations and regular expressions. WordPress’s Rewrite API, conversely, provides a more user-friendly approach‍ by allowing you⁣ to define rewrite rules directly within your WordPress theme or plugins. This method is generally considered easier to manage and less prone to errors, especially for simpler URL modifications. Ultimately,the best choice depends on your specific requirements and technical expertise.

.htaccess File Placement

If‍ you opt for using .htaccess,‍ it’s crucial to place it in the root directory ‌of your WordPress installation, alongside files like ‍wp-config.php. Avoid⁤ placing it within your ⁤theme directory as ⁤it won’t have the desired effect. “Should I ⁣put it before or after​ the‌ existing code?” That’s‌ a great question. generally, ‌it’s recommended to add your custom ‌rewrite rules *after* any ⁣existing code in your .htaccess⁢ file. This helps prevent conflicts and ensures your rules are applied correctly.
This ‌is a well-structured piece ⁣detailing the ⁤assassination of General Viktor Kirillov and its implications.​ It​ effectively covers multiple angles:



**Strengths:**



* **Clarity and Organization:** Easily understood and follows a‍ logical⁤ progression from the ⁢assassination to its context and consequences.

* ​**Multiple Perspectives:** Presents viewpoints from Ukrainian,Russian,and⁢ international sources,allowing readers​ to grasp the complexity of the situation.

* **Contextualization:** explains the assassination within the broader framework of ‌Ukraine’s covert war against Russia,⁣ highlighting strategies like targeted assassinations, cyber warfare, and demoralization tactics.

* **Use of Evidence:** Cites⁢ specific examples and sources to support claims, such as allegations of chemical weapon use and reports from reputable organizations.



**Areas for advancement:**



*⁤ **neutral Language:** While ⁣presenting different perspectives is crucial,consider rephrasing some statements to ‌maintain a more neutral tone. Phrases ⁣like​ “accusations of chemical weapon use”​ or ‍”Russia’s response” could be presented in a more objective manner.

* **Balance:** While the Ukrainian outlook‍ is well-represented, devoting more space to Russian​ justifications or internal debates within Russia ‍could provide a more balanced view.

* **Future Implications:** The article could delve deeper into the potential consequences of Kirilov’s assassination. How might it impact future negotiations or escalation of the ​conflict?



**Overall:**



This is a⁤ compelling and informative piece that effectively analyzes a significant event in⁤ the context of the Ukraine



war. Incorporating the suggested improvements could further enhance its objectivity and provide a more nuanced understanding of the situation.

This text appears to be a combination of two unrelated topics:



1. **The Russia-Ukraine Conflict:** This section analyzes the use of cyber warfare and disinformation by both Ukraine and Russia,focusing on the assassination of Russian General Viktor Kirillov and the ensuing threats and condemnation from Russian officials.It includes claims of Kirillov’s involvement in war crimes and chemical weapons attacks, as well as the implications of his death for putin’s regime.



2. **Using .htaccess or WordPress for URL Rewriting:** This section briefly discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using either .htaccess or wordpress’s Rewrite API for modifying your website’s URLs.



It’s unclear why these two topics are combined in one text. It’s possible that the text was:



* **Incompletely edited:** perhaps this is a draft where the author intended to separate these topics but hasn’t finished doing so.

* **Part of a larger document:** This coudl be a section within a longer piece that explores various aspects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and website management techniques.



**for better clarity and understanding, you should:**



* **Separate the Two Texts:** Divide the content into two distinct sections focusing on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and URL rewriting.

* **add Context:** If these texts are part of a larger work, provide more context about the connection between the two topics.

* **Review and Edit:** Carefully proofread and edit each section for grammar,punctuation,and logical flow.







Let me know if you need help clarifying or organizing this content further.