Russian chemical defense chief killed in blast in Moscow – officials

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was one of two victims of the explosion near a residential building

An explosion near a residential building in southeastern Moscow has killed two people, including Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s Radiological Chemical and Biological Defense Forces, officials have confirmed.

The blast and death toll without specific names were initially reported by Russia’s Investigative Committee in the early hours of Tuesday. Several media outlets claimed that the explosion was caused by a remotely controlled improvised explosive device attached to an electric scooter parked near the entrance, which was detonated as the two were leaving the building. According to Baza and Mash Telegram channels, the second victim was his aide.

The 54-year-old general led the Radiological Chemical and Biological Defense Forces since 2017 and came to prominence as the military official who often presented reports accusing Ukraine and the US, Kiev’s main backer, of using chemical weapons on the battlefield. He also reported on evidence of the US operating a widespread network of biolaboratories in Ukraine and elsewhere, which he said is a major threat to the civilian population.

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