We bring you the latest updates on a shocking event in Moscow: the death of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Defense Forces.

* The Attack: Kirillov was killed in an explosion triggered by a bomb planted on an electric scooter. The attack occurred as he exited his residential building in Moscow, also claiming the life of his assistant. The device, reportedly containing approximately 300 grams of TNT equivalent, generated a blast with the force of 1 kg of TNT.

* Claim of Responsibility: Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has claimed responsibility, labeling Kirillov a "war criminal and a legitimate target."

* Accusations Against Kirillov: Ukraine has accused Kirillov of ordering the use of chemical weapons against its defenders. The SBU alleges over 4,800 documented cases of chemical weapons usage by Russian forces since the war began. Specific allegations include deploying chloropicrin, a suffocating toxic agent, and irritant-laden grenades.

* Context: A prominent military figure, Kirillov had led Russia's NBC forces since 2017 and was sanctioned by multiple countries, including the UK and Canada, for his actions in Ukraine.

* Reactions:

* Russia has condemned the attack as terrorism and vowed retaliation.

* The UK stated it would not mourn Kirillov's death.

* The US adopted a cautious stance, emphasizing it had no prior knowledge of the attack and does not support such operations.

* Additional Background: Kirillov accused Western nations of using chemical and biological weapons in Ukraine and was involved in developing Russia's TOS-2 'Tosochka' heavy flamethrower system.

This assassination marks a significant escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising concerns about potential reprisals and further violence.