Igor Kirillov, A Russian General and head of the Russian Armed Forces’ Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Defense Forces, was killed in a bombing in central Moscow late Tuesday evening. The explosion, which occurred outside a government building near the Kremlin, has sent shockwaves through the Russian capital and heightened security concerns across Moscow.  According to the Russian state news agency TASS, the bomb had an explosive force equivalent to approximately 300 grams of TNT.

Ukraine has claimed responsibility of the attack.

The blast took place at approximately 9:15 PM local time, targeting Igor Kirillov’s convoy as it passed along Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street. According to eyewitnesses, a parked electric scooter exploded just as the convoy approached, engulfing the general’s car in fire. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but Igor Kirillov and two members of his security detail were dead. Several civilians were also injured, and one remains in critical condition.

A Growing Threat- Guerilla War?

Russian authorities have initiated an investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting the bombing was a targeted assassination. Ukraine’s Security Service SBU has claimed responsibility labelling Igor Kirillov as the one ordering chemical attack in Ukraine.

“This is a heinous act of terror; we will find those responsible and ensure they face the full force of the law.”

Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev

“Kirillov was a war criminal and an absolutely legitimate target, as he gave orders to use banned chemical substances against the Ukrainian military, such an inglorious end awaits all those who kill Ukrainians. Retribution for war crimes is inevitable.”

                                                                                                     SBU, Ukraine

The explosion occurred a day after Ukrainian Prosecutors Sentenced Igor Kirillov in absentia over Russia’s use of prohibited chemical substance during its invasion.

This event is part of a broader pattern of covert operations linked to Ukrainian intelligence, targeting key players in the conflict. The use of an explosive device concealed in something as ordinary as an electric scooter underscores the increasingly creative tactics being deployed in this hidden struggle.

Igor Kirillov was a profound figure in Russia’s military hierarchy, known for his expertise in chemical and biological defense. His death marks a significant loss for Russia’s military capabilities and raises questions about the security of high-ranking officials.

U.S. has reacted to the incident with caution.

“I can tell you that the United States was not aware of it in advance and was not involved, He was a general who was involved in a number of atrocities. He was involved in the use of chemical weapons against (the) Ukrainian military “

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, U.S.

Heightened Security in Moscow

In the wake of the bombing, Moscow has been placed on high alert. Additional security personnel have been deployed across key government and military installations. Police have also set up checkpoints throughout the city, causing significant traffic disruptions.

The Kremlin has yet to comment directly on the attack, but experts speculate that the attack could have far-reaching consequences for Russia’s Ukraine War. As investigations unfold and Ukraine has claimed responsibility of carrying out the assassination, the role of NATO & U.S. in this incident, remains under Russian radar. If Russia uncovers any assistance in this killing, from the U.S., U.K. Or Other NATO nations, it may open a new front of targeted assassinations, adding to the unstable Europe.