A devastating explosion occurred near a residential building in southeastern Moscow, claiming the lives of two individuals, including Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov.
Kirillov was the head of Russia’s Radiological Chemical and Biological Defense Forces.
According to the Investigative Committee on Tuesday, the blast was caused by a remotely controlled improvised explosive device attached to an electric scooter parked near the entrance.
The device killed both Kirillov and his aide, with earlier reports suggesting it was detonated as they were leaving the building.
The Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
The tragic event highlights the ongoing security concerns in Moscow, with the city having experienced previous attacks, including drone strikes in May 2023.
According RT, 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.
Kirillov was killed in the blast one day after Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) formally declared him a suspect in a case focusing on Moscow’s alleged use of chemical weapons against Kiev’s military.
Russia has denied using chemical weapons on the battlefield, arguing that it had destroyed the weapons in 2017.