The Ukrainian Security Service has taken responsibility for the assassination of Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirilov, killed in a bomb blast in Moscow. The SBU labeled Kirilov a war criminal and emphasized that others involved in the war could face similar fates. This incident highlights Ukraine’s operational reach within Russia and showcases its military intelligence capabilities. Kirilo Budanov, head of military intelligence, has become a prominent figure amid rising tensions, while the SBU gains recognition for its effectiveness in targeted operations.
Ukrainian Secret Service Claims Responsibility for High-Profile Assassination
The Ukrainian Security Service has unequivocally asserted its involvement in the assassination of Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirilov. Within hours of the bomb explosion in Moscow that resulted in the death of Kirilov and his adjutant, the SBU announced its responsibility. According to sources within the agency, Kirilov was categorized as a war criminal, making him a legitimate target. They warned that similar fates await others implicated in the ongoing aggressive war.
Demonstration of Power Amid Rising Tensions
Since the beginning of the conflict in 2022, Russian leadership has been aware that the threats from the SBU and military intelligence, HUR, are not to be taken lightly. The Ukrainian forces have successfully targeted several prominent figures within the Russian military and military-industrial complex, including a senior officer from the Black Sea Fleet accused of orchestrating missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. Kirilov was allegedly responsible for the deployment of chemical weapons against Ukrainian soldiers at the front lines.
The assassination of Kirilov, the highest-ranking Russian officer killed to date, was portrayed by Kyiv as a show of strength. The SBU had initiated legal proceedings against him earlier in the week and took action themselves to execute the plan. The fact that this incident occurred in the heart of Moscow highlights the operational flexibility Ukraine possesses in Russia, aimed at unsettling the public and the Kremlin elite. Although a suspect from Uzbekistan was quickly apprehended by Russian authorities, the emotional impact of the war is now resonating closer to Moscow.
Ukrainian tactics bear a striking resemblance to the extrajudicial operations historically carried out by the Mossad. Ukrainian intelligence and military personnel often draw comparisons to Israel, viewing it as a modern state with a defensive posture. The method employed by the SBU, utilizing a scooter to plant the bomb in Moscow, has been celebrated by Ukrainians as an example of innovative strategy.
Kirilo Budanov, head of military intelligence HUR, has skillfully positioned himself in this narrative. His background is well-known among Ukrainians: he has over a decade of experience in a special operations unit, has sustained multiple injuries, and maintains a strong rapport with the CIA. In conversations with reporters, Budanov has mentioned his admiration for Mossad, often sharing videos of his visits to perilous front-line positions. He has mastered the art of maintaining an enigmatic smile when discussing successful operations, leaving the authorship of such actions ambiguous.
Throughout the conflict, Russian intelligence services have made several attempts on Budanov’s life, including a car bomb incident a few years ago and missile strikes in May. His wife survived a mysterious poisoning attack, and in 2017, Moscow assassinated the former commander of the HUR special unit. These incidents illustrate that the targeted killings of high-ranking officials are not a novel strategy in this war.
Interestingly, the SBU has increasingly emerged as the public face behind these high-profile operations, stepping into the limelight more than Budanov’s HUR. The domestic intelligence agency is also credited with thwarting assassination plots against both Budanov and President Zelensky six months ago. Despite its controversial reputation for being opaque and highly politicized, the agency’s recent successes have led to a wave of memes celebrating its effectiveness, which likely pleases President Zelensky.
In light of military setbacks and the geopolitical uncertainties following Donald Trump’s election victory, Zelensky can leverage these success stories. The assassination demonstrates Ukraine’s capability to strike effectively at the enemy’s core without resorting to indiscriminate violence against civilians, contrasting sharply with Russian tactics. Moreover, Budanov’s rising popularity poses a challenge for Zelensky, with rumors of his potential dismissal circulating. By showcasing the SBU’s accomplishments, Zelensky can create alternatives to the ever-present influence of the military intelligence chief.