Head of Russian Chemical Defense Forces killed in Moscow explosion

Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the head of the Troops of Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense of the Russian armed forces, was killed in an explosion in Moscow earlier on Tuesday.

A criminal investigation has been launched in connection with the incident according to the Russian Investigative Committee.

The explosion on Ryazanskiy Prospekt reportedly killed two people, both military personnel, Kirillov and his assistant.

On Telegram, the Committee announced that "according to the investigation, on the morning of December 17, an explosive device, planted in a scooter parked next to the entrance of a residential building, was detonated on Ryazanskiy Prospekt in Moscow. As a result, the head of the radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops of the armed forces of Russia, Igor Kirillov, and his assistant were killed."

In turn, a representative of an emergency security apparatus reported that "Video footage from the explosion site on Ryazanskiy Prospekt was seized," and that the Russian security forces were examining it.

Kirillov exposed US Biolabs in Ukraine: Zakharova

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova praised Igor Kirillov for his relentless efforts to expose Western wrongdoing, particularly in relation to NATO provocations and US Biolabs.

On Telegram, she wrote, "Kirillov had been systematically exposing the crimes of the Anglo-Saxons for many years, with facts in hand."

Zakharova highlighted his fearless work, pointing to his revelations on NATO's chemical weapons involvement in Syria, the UK's actions in Salisbury and Amesbury, and the deadly operations of US Biolabs in Ukraine.

"He did not hide behind people's backs," Zakharova added.

Deputy speaker of Russia’s upper house of parliament vows retribution

Konstantin Kosachev, deputy speaker of Russia’s upper house of parliament, described Kirillov's death as an "irreparable loss."

In a statement posted on Telegram, Kosachev expressed deep shock and sorrow, saying, "This is a shock. An irreparable loss. Eternal memory. Condolences to the families of the victims."

He also vowed that those responsible for the explosion that killed Kirillov would be brought to justice: "The murderers will be punished. Without a doubt and mercy," he added.

"Fake solutions" will not end Russian op. in Ukraine: Nebenzya

Russia will pursue its objectives in Ukraine strategically as long as Western solutions to the conflict remain "fake" Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya stated at a UN Security Council meeting.

He emphasized, "Russia's conditions are clear and logical, and they have nothing in common with those fake solutions that fail to eliminate the threat posed to Russia by the Kiev regime."

Nebenzya also warned that Russia would respond decisively to actions by Ukrainian authorities. "As long as this is taking place, we will continue to pursue the goal of our special military operation in a strategic manner," he said, adding, "We will respond to the Kiev regime's provocations in the same way we did on December 13."

Read more: Putin hails military advances, sets new goals for op. in Ukraine