Russian NBC Defence Chief General Kirillov, assistant killed in Moscow explosion

A high-ranking Russian general and head of the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defence Forces (NBC), Lt Gen Igor Kirillov, along with his assistant, have been killed in an explosion in Moscow, according to reports from Russia’s Investigative Committee.

Lt Gen Kirillov was targeted as he exited a residential building early Tuesday morning. Authorities said the blast was caused by an explosive device concealed in a scooter parked near the building’s entrance.

Images from the scene depict severe damage to the building’s facade, with scorch marks on the walls and shattered windows. Two body bags were also visible at the site, indicating the fatalities.

Kirillov, a high-ranking figure in the Russian armed forces, had previously come under international scrutiny. In October, the UK imposed sanctions on him, accusing him of overseeing the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine and serving as a “significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation.”