Ukraine Claims Responsibility for Kirillov's Assassination
On December 17, 2024, Russian General Igor Kirillov was killed in a bomb attack in Moscow, which Ukraine has claimed responsibility for. The attack occurred outside Kirillov's apartment building in the Ryazansky district, where an explosive device attached to an electric scooter detonated, resulting in the general's death and reportedly killing his adjutant as well. Kirillov, who was the commander of the Russian armed forces for defense against radiological, chemical, and biological threats, was accused by Ukraine of war crimes related to the use of chemical weapons in the ongoing conflict.
Medvedev's Threat of Retaliation
In response to the assassination, Dmitry Medvedev, a prominent ally of President Vladimir Putin and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, vowed that Kyiv would face severe retaliation. He condemned the Ukrainian leadership, labeling them as
and stated that they would face
reflecting the heightened tensions following the attack. Medvedev's remarks echo previous threats he has made against Ukraine since the onset of the war, where he has consistently accused Ukrainian officials of being Nazis without substantiating his claims.
Investigations and International Reactions
The Russian Investigation Committee has launched an inquiry into the incident, categorizing it as murder, terrorism, and illegal arms trafficking. Initial reports suggest that the bomb used in the attack had an explosive force equivalent to approximately 200 grams of TNT. In the international arena, the United Kingdom had previously imposed sanctions on Kirillov for his alleged involvement in chemical weapon usage during the conflict in Ukraine, where he is believed to be responsible for numerous chemical attacks against Ukrainian forces.
