Russian general Igor Kirillov and his assistant were killed in an explosion in Moscow

A Ukrainian official has claimed responsibility for the killing of Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, commander of Russia’s chemical, biological and radiation defense forces, and his assistant, who were killed in an explosion in Moscow on Tuesday.

According to the Associated Press, Russia’s Investigative Committee said the explosive device was placed in a scooter near an apartment block on Ryazansky Avenue and was triggered remotely. The bombing came a day after Ukraine’s security service charged Kirillov with crimes.

According to the Russian state news agency Tass, the bomb had an explosive power of around 300 grams of TNT.

Fox News Digital has confirmed that the Ukrainian Security Services (SBU) has claimed responsibility for the murder. An SBU official who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity said Kirillov was a “war criminal and a completely legitimate target.”

Ukraine’s Zelensky says war with Russia is being pushed “beyond borders.”

Senior Russian Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov and his assistant were killed in an explosion near an apartment complex in Moscow, officials said. (The Associated Press)

“Investigators, forensic experts and operational services are working on site,” Russian Investigative Committee spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko said in a statement. “Investigation and search activities are being carried out to clarify all the circumstances surrounding this crime.”

Petrenko also said that Russia considers the explosion a terrorist attack.

Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov was criminally charged by Ukrainian security services just a day before his death in an explosion in Moscow. (Sefa Karacan/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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Kirillov was indicted by the SBU on Monday for using banned chemical weapons on the battlefield. Several countries also sanctioned him for his role in the war against Ukraine, the AP reported.

The deadly explosion occurred on Tuesday outside a residential building on Ryazansky Avenue in Moscow, Russia. (ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)

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The SBU said it registered more than 4,800 uses of chemical weapons during Russia’s attack on Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This report has been updated to identify Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov as commander of Russia’s chemical, biological and radiation defense forces.