Russia has detained a 29-year-old Uzbek man for the assassination of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, killed by a remote-controlled explosive device in Moscow. The suspect is believed to have been recruited by Ukrainian intelligence, which claimed responsibility for the act, labeling Kirillov a legitimate target due to his alleged war crimes involving chemical weapons.
The Russian security service has detained a 29-year-old man from Uzbekistan in connection with the killing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov in Moscow. Kirillov, who was the head of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Forces, was killed by an explosive device that detonated remotely while he was outside his residence.
The suspect, who remains unnamed, is alleged to have been recruited by Ukrainian intelligence. Ukrainian officials previously claimed responsibility for Kirillov’s killing, asserting they viewed him as a legitimate target due to accusations of war crimes, including the mass use of banned chemical weapons.
According to statements from the Federal Security Service (FSB), the suspect was promised $100,000 and a route to Europe in exchange for carrying out the assassination. He allegedly traveled to Moscow, where he received an improvised explosive device, which he attached to a scooter parked near Kirillov’s apartment. The attack was conducted after the suspect monitored Kirillov from a rented vehicle.
This incident marks a significant development, as Kirillov is reportedly the most senior military official assassinated on Russian soil since the onset of the conflict with Ukraine. Images from the attack scene depicted severe damage, with visible scorch marks and broken windows, serving as a stark reminder of the escalating violence.
In response to the assassination, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to address the matter at an upcoming United Nations Security Council meeting. Officials have vowed to seek justice for the assassination and enhance measures against those implicated in this act.
In summary, the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov has resulted in the arrest of an Uzbek man accused of being a pawn in a Ukrainian intelligence operation. This incident underscores the heightened tensions and ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, particularly in the realm of military engagement. As the investigation proceeds, Russia is determined to hold those responsible accountable for this significant event in the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
