Ukraine’s security service claims assassination of Russian general sanctioned for chemical weapons use

Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov died in a blast in Moscow a day after he was charged by Ukraine’s security services with the use of banned chemical weapons.

Ukraine’s security service claimed responsibility Tuesday for killing the head of Russia’s chemical, radiological and biological weapons unit, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) was behind the detonation of an explosive device planted in a scooter next to the entrance of an apartment building in Moscow, according to a Ukrainian source briefed on the matter who was granted anonymity because they’re not authorized to speak publicly about sensitive operations.

The blast on Tuesday morning killed Kirillov and his assistant, who was not identified, according to Russian officials.

Russian officials did not immediately respond to Ukraine’s claim of responsibility for the blast.

On Monday, Ukraine’s security services charged Kirillov with the use of banned chemical weapons during Russia’s invasion of the country, which began in February 2022.

Russian investigators, forensic workers and emergency services were still working at the scene late Tuesday morning, with video published on Telegram by the Investigative Committee showing emergency responders parked outside an apartment building where one entrance could be seen visibly damaged./NBC News/