Lieutenant General Igor Kirilov, head of Russia’s radiological, chemical, and biological defense, was killed Tuesday at 54 in a bombing outside his home in Moscow.

Kirilov was one of the most public faces of the Russian military and the highest-ranking officer to die in the capital since the start of the invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. 

According to EFE, Ukraine claimed responsibility for the attack through a source from the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), citing Kirilov as responsible for war crimes for ordering the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces.

This attack marks the first killing of a high-ranking Russia military official in Moscow and demonstrates Ukraine’s growing capability to carry out targeted strikes, sending a direct message to the Russian military leadership.

The SBU stated that more than 4,800 instances of chemical munition deployment occurred under his orders since the beginning of the conflict. 

Who was Igor Kirilov?

Kirilov had led Russia’s chemical defense since 2017 and was known for his public appearances, including regular press briefings. He oversaw the development and deployment of advanced weaponry such as the TOS-2 heavy flamethrower, capable of striking up to four hectares per salvo. 

The general was also under international sanctions from countries like the UK and Canada for his role in Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

His death also claimed the life of his assistant. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova mourned him on Telegram, calling him an “intrepid general who never hid behind others” and “a fighter for the motherland and truth.” 

Analysts suggest that Kirilov’s death could impact the coordination of Russia’s chemical and biological forces, as well as morale among top military officials. 

The incident also reignites international debate over the use of chemical weapons and the accountability of senior officers in warfare, putting Russia once again in the global spotlight for its actions in Ukraine.