Uzbek National Detained Over High-Ranking Russian General's Assassination in Moscow
Russian authorities have apprehended a 29-year-old Uzbek man in connection with the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, a senior military figure, and his assistant in Moscow. The shocking incident occurred early Tuesday outside Kirillov’s residence when an explosive device, concealed within an electric scooter, was detonated remotely.
Lt. Gen. Kirillov, 54, led the Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Forces of Russia. The blast reportedly took place as he exited his apartment building, killing both him and his aide, Ilya Polikarpov. The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, has allegedly admitted to collaborating with Ukrainian intelligence services, although no evidence supporting this claim has been released by Russian authorities.
Ukraine’s Alleged Involvement
According to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), Kirillov was considered a “legitimate target” due to accusations of war crimes, including the widespread use of banned chemical weapons. Just a day before the attack, Ukraine indicted Kirillov in absentia for his alleged role in chemical warfare. Moscow has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that its chemical weapons stockpiles were destroyed in 2017.
A source from the SBU told the BBC that Ukrainian operatives were behind the attack. However, the Kremlin has yet to provide concrete evidence linking Ukraine to the assassination.
Details of the Attack
Investigators from Russia’s Investigative Committee (SK) revealed that the suspect placed the explosive-laden scooter near the residential building’s entrance. To ensure precision, the suspect reportedly installed a livestreaming video camera in a rented car parked nearby. This feed was transmitted to alleged coordinators in Dnipro, Ukraine.
The explosive device was detonated remotely as Kirillov and Polikarpov left the building. Graphic images from the scene depict severe damage to the apartment entrance, scorched walls, shattered windows, and two body bags on the street.
Suspect’s Confession and Interrogation
The Federal Security Service (FSB) released footage of the suspect’s interrogation, where he claimed to have been offered $100,000 and a European passport for the mission. In the video, he appears disheveled, with visible damage to his clothing, and speaks directly to the camera. The FSB asserts that he received a homemade explosive device after arriving in Moscow. However, doubts linger about whether his confession was coerced.
International Fallout
Lt. Gen. Kirillov is believed to be the highest-ranking Russian military official assassinated on home soil since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His death has sparked widespread condemnation in Russia, with President Vladimir Putin expressing “deep condolences” to the victims’ families.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced plans to address the assassination during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday. Russian officials have vowed to pursue and punish those responsible for the attack.
Broader Implications
Kirillov’s death highlights the intensifying shadow war between Russia and Ukraine. While Moscow continues to deny allegations of chemical weapons use, Ukraine claims that over 4,800 such attacks were conducted under Kirillov’s command.
The incident underscores escalating tensions and raises critical questions about security and intelligence operations within Russia.
