Kremlin Says West Is ‘Accomplice’ In Ukraine’s Assassination Of Russian General

Russia has accused Ukraine’s Western backers of enabling the assassination of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, a senior military official who was killed in a targeted bombing in Moscow on Tuesday. Ukrainian forces have taken credit for the attack, calling it retribution for alleged war crimes.

Kirillov, 54, led Russia’s radiation, chemical and biological defense forces. He and an aide were killed after a bomb concealed in a scooter detonated as they exited a residential building. Russia’s Investigative Committee confirmed the incident, labeling it a terrorist attack.

Ukraine’s Security Service claimed responsibility, calling Kirillov a “legitimate target” for his involvement in chemical weapons use. They alleged more than 4,800 incidents of chemical warfare under his command, citing irritants like CS gas.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the West of tacit approval. “All those who welcome terrorist attacks or hush them up are accomplices,” Zakharova said, calling out NATO countries for their silence.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev echoed this sentiment, calling the assassination a cowardly act. “Attempts to intimidate Russia or disrupt our operations will be met with certain punishment,” Medvedev warned.

Russia has reported that a 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the killing of Kirillov.

The killing signals a bold shift in Ukraine’s strategy, as the war extends deeper into Russian territory. Moscow has suggested Western intelligence may have played a role, escalating already high tensions between Russia and NATO.

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