Kyiv, Dec 17 (EFE).- Ukraine claimed responsibility for the assassination of Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s radiological, chemical, and biological defense forces, in Moscow on Tuesday
A Ukrainian intelligence source told the Ukrinform news agency that Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) had declared Kirillov a suspect in war crimes just a day earlier, accusing him of ordering the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian forces on the front lines.
According to the anonymous SBU source, the attack was a «special operation» carried out by Ukraine’s secret services.
In a statement released Monday, the SBU reported it had documented more than 4,800 cases where Russian forces, under Kirillov’s command, deployed banned chemical weapons on Ukraine’s eastern and southern fronts.
“In particular, we are talking about K-1 combat grenades equipped with toxic irritants,” the statement said, adding that such substances are prohibited under international law.
The SBU also claimed over 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been affected by these weapons, which Russian forces allegedly deploy via drones to force Ukrainian troops to abandon their positions.
“When activated, these chemical-laden grenades release toxins that severely irritate mucous membranes, especially the eyes and respiratory tract,” the Ukrainian agency said.
Kyiv has previously claimed responsibility, directly or indirectly, for attacks targeting Russian military figures and collaborators in both Russia and Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. EFE
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