Suspect Detained in Moscow Region for Killing Russian General

A suspect involved in the deaths of Russian General Igor Kirillov and his assistant Major Ilya Polikarpov has been detained in the Moscow region, according to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).

The FSB reported that the suspect, a citizen of Uzbekistan born in 1995, detonated a homemade explosive device near a residential building in Moscow.

The FSB stated that the suspect used a car-sharing vehicle equipped with a Wi-Fi camera to monitor the victims. The camera transmitted live footage to collaborators in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. The bomb, hidden in a parked scooter, was remotely detonated after the officers exited the building.

The suspect reportedly received $100,000 and the promise of safe passage to an EU country for carrying out the attack. He was apprehended in the village of Chernoye, located in the Balashikha district near Moscow.

RIA Novosti identified the suspect as Akhmad Kurbanov based on video evidence released by the FSB. The facial features in the footage match those seen in Kurbanov’s social media profile. The suspect admitted to months of preparation for the attack, including acquiring the bomb components and positioning the device near the building.

General Igor Kirillov led Russia’s Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops, a specialized military unit tasked with operating in hazardous environments. He had been previously accused by Ukraine of war crimes involving chemical weapons during the ongoing conflict, allegations Russia denies. Kirillov also claimed in August 2024 that Ukraine used chemical agents against Russian forces in the Kursk Region, findings corroborated by Russia's Defense Ministry.

The deaths of Kirillov and Polikarpov occurred on December 17, when the bomb detonated outside their residence on Ryazansky Prospekt at approximately 6:00 a.m. Russian authorities have opened a criminal case under charges of murder, terrorism, and illegal circulation of weapons.

The FSB emphasized that Ukrainian special services involved in organizing the attack would be held accountable. The investigation into the incident continues.