The Defense Ministry noted General Kirillov's contribution to Russian security

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, head of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Forces of the Russian Armed Forces, made an invaluable contribution to Russia's security during his service. This is stated in the obituary published in the newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda on December 18.

"By his diligence, concern, loyalty to the word, deed and state he made an invaluable contribution to the security of our Fatherland. That's how we knew the head of the Russian Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, that's how we will remember him. The tragic death of a real officer and a brilliant specialist, who bravely performed one of the most difficult and responsible tasks in defense of the homeland, was a huge loss for our country," the text reads.

The Russian Defense Ministry also noted his skillful management of RCDZ troops during special operations, personal participation in the elimination of the consequences of natural and man-made disasters, successful experience of participation of RCDZ troops in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

"The bright memory of Igor Anatolyevich Kirillov, a professional of the highest class, a fearless military leader, a talented scientist, a true patriot of Russia will forever remain in our hearts. We mourn," the Defense Ministry said.

A Terror of Cowardice: Who Profited from the Murder of General Igor Kirillov

Chief of RCDZ troops investigated Western biolaboratories in Ukraine and Kiev's plans to build a dirty bomb

Igor Kirillov and his assistant were killed on the morning of December 17 as a result of detonation of an explosive device planted in a scooter, standing near the entrance. The explosion occurred near a seven-story apartment building on Ryazansky Avenue in Moscow. A criminal case of murder, terrorist act and illegal arms trafficking (Article 105, Article 205 and Article 222 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) was opened over the incident.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova drew attention to the fact that Kirillov had been systematically exposing Western crimes for many years, working fearlessly and never hiding behind the backs of others. For his part, Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian foreign ministry's ambassador-at-large for Ukraine 's crimes, noted that the general cited evidence that was threatening and painful for Russia's adversaries.

Later, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that the United States had nothing to do with the terrorist attack in Moscow that killed Kirillov and his aide. Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder also said that the U.S. was not involved and did not contribute to the attack. The New York Times, in turn, reported that the Ukrainian security services were responsible for the deaths of Lieutenant-General Igor Kirillov and his aide. The NYT source pointed out that the SBU considered Kirillov a "legitimate target".