Russia has detained a 29-year-old Uzbek man for the assassination of General Igor Kirillov in Moscow. The suspect was allegedly recruited by Ukrainian intelligence, which claimed responsibility for the attack, viewing Kirillov as a target due to his alleged war crimes involving chemical weapons. The incident reflects the high tensions and violence inherent in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The Russian security service has detained a 29-year-old man from Uzbekistan in connection with the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Forces. On Tuesday, Kirillov was killed by an explosive device remotely detonated while he was outside his residential building. Reports indicate that the suspect was allegedly recruited by Ukrainian intelligence and planned the attack in collaboration with Ukrainian operatives. Ukraine’s security service previously claimed responsibility for the attack, citing Kirillov as a legitimate target due to his involvement in alleged war crimes, including the mass use of banned chemical weapons.
Following the assassination, the suspect reportedly confessed to the Russian authorities that he was promised a reward of $100,000 and the chance to relocate to the European Union in exchange for carrying out the attack. The Russian Federal Security Service revealed that the suspect had planted the explosive device on a scooter, monitored Kirillov’s movements with a rented vehicle, and even set up a camera to livestream from the location. Kirillov’s death marks a significant event, being the most senior military official killed within Russia since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine almost three years ago.
The incident revolves around the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, particularly surrounding allegations of war crimes related to chemical weapons. Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was a controversial figure, accused of overseeing the deployment of such weapons in Ukraine. The killing represents a major escalation, as it involves the assassination of a high-ranking military officer on Russian soil. This event continues to strain the already fraught diplomatic relations between the two countries, as each party accuses the other of severe violations during the conflict.
In summary, the assassination of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov raises serious questions about the extent of Ukrainian military operations within Russia and the implications for future confrontations. The detention of the suspect illustrates the heightened security concerns within Russia regarding potential acts of terrorism fueled by the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. As both nations continue to blame one another for atrocities, this event underscores the escalating violence and complexity of the situation in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
