Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, a high-ranking Russian commander, was killed in Moscow, marking a significant event since the Ukraine war began.

Kirillov was the head of Russia’s Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defense Troops.

He and his assistant died outside a residential building, with Ukrainian officials attributing the operation to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Kyiv has targeted Russian military leaders and military sites in efforts to gain strategic advantage in the ongoing war. Ukrainian forces have reportedly used drones and explosives for these operations.

Russian authorities labeled Kirillov’s death as a terrorist act.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, condemned the attack and demanded retribution, holding the Ukrainian leadership accountable.

Chemical weapons

The SBU had named Kirillov as a suspect in war crimes for allegedly ordering the use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine. They reported over 4,800 instances of chemical weapon use attributed to his orders.

Russia has denied allegations of violating chemical weapon bans.

The attack was captured on video, showing two individuals near the scene before the explosion occurred. Investigators stated a video camera in a nearby car monitored Kirillov.