Who is Igor Kirillov: Leadership Roles, Assassination, and Net Worth

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Lieutenant General Igor Anatolyevich Kirillov, born on July 13, 1970, in Kostroma, Russia, was a prominent figure in the Russian military, serving as the head of the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Protection Troops of the Russian Armed Forces. His career was marked by significant contributions to Russia's defense capabilities, particularly in the realm of NBC protection.

Early Life and Education

Kirillov began his military journey in 1987, enrolling in the Armed Forces of the USSR. He graduated with honors from the Kostroma Higher Military Command School of Chemical Defense in 1991. Following his graduation, he served as a platoon commander in the Western Group of Forces until 1994. After the withdrawal of these forces from Germany, Kirillov continued his service in the Moscow Military District. His dedication and leadership skills led him to command positions, ranging from company commander to brigade commander of a separate radiation, chemical, and biological protection brigade.

Advanced Training and Leadership Roles

Between 2005 and 2007, Kirillov furthered his expertise by studying at the NBC Protection Military Academy. By 2009, he held various positions within the Office of the Chief of the Russian NBC Protection Troops. In September 2014, he was appointed head of the Timoshenko NBC Protection Military Academy, reflecting his deepening influence in the field. His career culminated in April 2017 when he became the head of the NBC Protection Troops of the Russian Armed Forces. In this capacity, Kirillov played a pivotal role in the development and adoption of advanced defense systems, including the TOS-2 "Tosochka" heavy flamethrower system.

Controversies and Sanctions

Kirillov's tenure was not without controversy. He was accused by Western nations of overseeing the deployment of chemical weapons during Russia's military operations in Ukraine. The UK Foreign Office alleged that the forces under his command had used riot control agents and toxic choking agents like chloropicrin against Ukrainian troops. These actions led to international sanctions against him. On February 23, 2022, Canada included him in its sanctions list, followed by Ukraine on October 19, 2022, and the United Kingdom on October 8, 2024. Additionally, on December 16, 2024, Ukraine charged Kirillov in absentia for the use of banned chemical weapons during the ongoing conflict.

Assassination

On December 17, 2024, Kirillov was assassinated in Moscow. He and his assistant were killed by an explosive device concealed in an electric scooter near his residence on Ryazansky Prospekt. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed responsibility for the operation, labeling Kirillov a legitimate target due to his alleged war crimes. The assassination was notable for its precision and the use of innovative tactics, reflecting a high level of planning and intelligence.

Legacy

Kirillov's death marked the loss of a high-ranking Russian military official and underscored the escalating tensions and hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. His career, marked by significant achievements in NBC defense, was overshadowed by allegations of war crimes and the controversial use of chemical weapons in conflict zones.

Net Worth of Igor Kirillov

Estimating the net worth of high-ranking Russian military officials like Igor Kirillov can be challenging due to the opaque nature of financial disclosures in Russia and the sensitivity surrounding military figures. However, as a Lieutenant General and the head of the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops, Kirillov likely received a substantial salary and enjoyed several financial benefits, including state-provided housing, pensions, and perks tied to his rank.

1. Official Salary:

   • Kirillov's salary as a Lieutenant General likely ranged between 200,000–400,000 rubles per month (equivalent to $2,500–$5,000), a typical figure for high-ranking military officers in Russia. His position as head of the NBC Protection Troops may have added performance bonuses, increasing his annual earnings.

2. Benefits and Perks:

   • In addition to his salary, Kirillov would have received benefits such as free healthcare, housing allowances, and access to state resources. His role also provided him access to specialized military facilities and privileges afforded to those in top leadership positions.

3. Unverified Allegations of Wealth:

   • Like many high-ranking officials in Russia, rumors circulated regarding Kirillov's involvement in business ventures or access to funds allocated for military development. However, there is no verifiable evidence that he accumulated significant personal wealth through illicit means.

4. Estimated Net Worth:

   • While his official net worth remains undisclosed, it is estimated that his assets, including savings, pensions, and property, could range from 10 million to 30 million rubles ($130,000–$400,000). This figure reflects the lifestyle of a high-ranking Russian officer but does not suggest extravagant wealth.

Legacy of His Wealth:

Kirillov's assassination raises questions about the fate of his financial legacy. His family, if any, would likely inherit state pensions and other benefits provided to fallen military officers, particularly those who held leadership roles. However, sanctions and controversies surrounding his career could complicate international claims to his assets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was Igor Kirillov?

   • Igor Anatolyevich Kirillov was a Lieutenant General in the Russian Armed Forces, serving as the head of the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection Troops.

2. What were his major contributions to the Russian military?

   • Kirillov played a pivotal role in enhancing Russia's NBC defense capabilities, including the development of the TOS-2 "Tosochka" heavy flamethrower system.

3. Why was he sanctioned by Western countries?

   • Western nations accused Kirillov of overseeing the use of chemical weapons during Russia's military operations in Ukraine, leading to sanctions from countries like Canada, the UK, and Ukraine.

4. How did Igor Kirillov die?

   • He was assassinated on December 17, 2024, in Moscow by an explosive device hidden in an electric scooter, an operation claimed by the Security Service of Ukraine.

5. What was the significance of his assassination?

   • Kirillov's assassination highlighted the intensifying conflict between Russia and Ukraine and marked the elimination of a high-ranking Russian military official accused of war crimes.

6. What were the allegations against him regarding chemical weapons?

   • He was alleged to have overseen the deployment of chemical agents, such as chloropicrin, against Ukrainian forces, causing significant harm and leading to international condemnation.

7. Did he face any legal actions before his death?

   • Yes, on December 16, 2024, Ukraine charged him in absentia for the use of banned chemical weapons during the ongoing conflict.

8. What is the TOS-2 "Tosochka"?

   • The TOS-2 "Tosochka" is a new generation heavy flamethrower system developed under Kirillov's leadership, enhancing Russia's capabilities in thermobaric weaponry.

9. How has Russia responded to his assassination?

   • Russian authorities have condemned the assassination, with officials like Dmitry Medvedev vowing retaliation against those responsible.

10. What impact did his death have on Russia's military operations?

    • While the full impact remains to be seen, the loss of a high-ranking official like Kirillov could affect the leadership and morale within Russia's NBC Protection Troops.