Moscow [Russia], December 18 (HBTV): Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, accused of deploying chemical weapons during the war in Ukraine, was killed in a bomb blast in Moscow, according to CNN, citing Russian investigators.

Kirillov, head of Russia's radiological, biological, and chemical protection forces, died when a remotely detonated bomb planted in an electric scooter exploded outside an apartment building approximately 7km southeast of the Kremlin, Russia's Investigative Committee reported.

The attack occurred a day after Ukrainian prosecutors sentenced Kirillov in absentia for Russia's alleged use of banned chemical weapons during its invasion.

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

Kirillov, 54, is the most senior Russian military official reported killed since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022. His assistant, identified by Russian media as Ilya Polikarpov, was also killed in the explosion on Ryazansky Street.

A video obtained by CNN showed the moments before the two men were killed. An electric scooter was visible near the entrance of the residential building. As Kirillov and Polikarpov walked toward a car, the bomb detonated, causing a massive flash.

The bomb had an explosive power equivalent to 300 grams of TNT, according to Russian state news agency TASS. Russia's Investigative Committee has launched a probe, labeling the incident a "terrorist act."

The chemical weapon chloropicrin, known for causing irritation to the eyes, skin, throat, and lungs, was reportedly used under Kirillov’s orders. Banned in 1993 under the Chemical Weapons Convention, chloropicrin was historically employed as tear gas during World War I.

Ukraine's SBU claimed that more than 4,800 instances of chemical munitions usage by Russia had been recorded under Kirillov’s directives since the war began, including chemical-laced grenades.

Before his death, Kirillov’s government entity was sanctioned by the US for allegedly using chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops.   

(ANI)