Mystery Surrounds the Assassination of Russian General Igor Kirillov in Moscow
On the morning of December 17, tragedy struck Moscow as Russian General Igor Kirillov, the commander of the Armed Forces Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defense unit, was killed alongside his assistant. The explosive device, ingeniously concealed on an electric scooter, detonated precisely as the two men exited a building, sending shockwaves across the city.
A disturbing video obtained by Ukrainian internal security officials (SBU) captures the chilling moment of the explosion, providing significant insights into the circumstances leading to the general's death. The footage shows Kirillov and his assistant walking away from the building when the bomb exploded, resulting in a catastrophic impact that damaged windows up to the third floor of nearby structures, according to investigations.
Speculation mounts regarding the potential involvement of Ukrainian secret services in the assassination, although Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility. Anonymous sources within Ukrainian security have hinted at the possibility, particularly following Kirillov's recent accusations of endorsing chemical weapon usage in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Just two days prior to his death, Ukraine’s security service had concluded an in absentia investigation against him, accusing Kirillov of authorizing extensive chemical assaults against Ukrainian forces.
Investigators have begun to piece together the events leading to the explosion, with Russian media providing varying theories. One suggestion posits that the scooter, laden with explosives, was parked outside the building around 4 AM, with the bomb triggered remotely, possibly by someone surveilling the vicinity. The precision timing indicated that the perpetrators had contemplated Kirillov's exit down to the second, making their plan shockingly effective.
Explosives expert Nick G. Glumac emphasized the technical aspects of the blast, noting it likely involved at least 400 grams of a high explosive, meticulously detonated to coincide with Kirillov’s passage. If the bomb had detonated seconds later, the men may have escaped with their lives.
This incident marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, as Kirillov is regarded as the most pivotal Russian military figure to be assassinated since Russia commenced its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. His death follows a string of high-profile killings, including Mikhail Shatsky, who oversaw missile modernization efforts, and Aleksey Kolomeitsev, a colonel responsible for drone attacks, highlighting a precarious security situation for Russian personnel.
The shadows of this incident raise critical questions about internal security in Moscow and the extent of Ukrainian intelligence capabilities. The operational success of such a targeted strike implies a degree of local support, suggesting a dangerous mix of external engagement and internal dissent.
As investigations continue and more details emerge, the international community watches closely. The dynamics of the conflict in Ukraine are shifting; with each assassination, the calculus on both sides becomes ever more complex, further entrenching the war’s catastrophic consequences.
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