In a shocking incident that has sent tremors through Russia’s political landscape, Moscow authorities have detained a 29-year-old man from Uzbekistan in connection with the assassination of Major General Igor Kirillov. The senior general, head of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Forces, was killed by an explosive device concealed in an electric scooter outside his residence in Moscow early on Tuesday.
Uzbek Suspect Arrested in Connection to Moscow General's Assassination
Uzbek Suspect Arrested in Connection to Moscow General's Assassination
Russian authorities detain a 29-year-old Uzbek man alleged to be involved in the killing of high-ranking general Igor Kirillov.
According to the Russian Investigative Committee (SK), the detained suspect has indicated that he was recruited by Ukrainian special services, although they have not publicly provided any evidence to support this claim. Reports suggest that the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has taken responsibility for the assassination, labeling Kirillov as a "legitimate target" due to his alleged involvement in war crimes.
Just a day prior to his death, Ukraine formally charged Kirillov in absentia for the mass use of prohibited chemical weapons, allegations that the Kremlin fiercely denies. Official statements from President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences for Kirillov's death, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
The SK's investigation revealed that the suspect, who has not been publicly named, rented a car from which he monitored Kirillov's movements through a video camera linked to the individuals orchestrating the attack in Dnipro, Ukraine. When Kirillov and his assistant, Ilya Polikarpov, exited the building, the device was detonated remotely.
In video footage released by the Federal Security Service (FSB), the suspect appears to confess that he was promised a reward of $100,000 and a European passport for the assassination. It remains unclear whether this confession was coerced. Kirillov's assassination marks one of the highest-profile military killings within Russia since the onset of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
As the investigation continues, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced plans to raise the issue at the United Nations Security Council, with officials pledging to bring those responsible for Kirillov's assassination to justice.
Just a day prior to his death, Ukraine formally charged Kirillov in absentia for the mass use of prohibited chemical weapons, allegations that the Kremlin fiercely denies. Official statements from President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences for Kirillov's death, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
The SK's investigation revealed that the suspect, who has not been publicly named, rented a car from which he monitored Kirillov's movements through a video camera linked to the individuals orchestrating the attack in Dnipro, Ukraine. When Kirillov and his assistant, Ilya Polikarpov, exited the building, the device was detonated remotely.
In video footage released by the Federal Security Service (FSB), the suspect appears to confess that he was promised a reward of $100,000 and a European passport for the assassination. It remains unclear whether this confession was coerced. Kirillov's assassination marks one of the highest-profile military killings within Russia since the onset of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
As the investigation continues, the Russian Foreign Ministry has announced plans to raise the issue at the United Nations Security Council, with officials pledging to bring those responsible for Kirillov's assassination to justice.
