Uzbek TV channel refutes claims about suspect in terrorist attack on Russian general

Uzbekistan 24 TV channel has denied reports regarding the identification of a suspect involved in the terrorist attack that killed Head of Russia's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection troops, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, and his assistant.

"We did not release such information," the channel stated, refuting any involvement in the dissemination of these claims, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Media representatives also clarified that the supposed information about a suspect, allegedly forwarded to Moscow, was spread by the anonymous Telegram channel Ozbekistonne, which has no affiliation with any official media outlets.

Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov was killed in a bomb blast in Moscow on December 17, 2024. The explosion took place near his home, where a remote-detonated explosive device hidden in an electric scooter claimed the lives of Kirillov and his assistant. A key figure in Russia's military hierarchy, Kirillov's death has prompted increased security measures.

The Kremlin has assured that the investigation will proceed to uncover more information about those responsible and their motivations. The Uzbek government swiftly responded to Moscow’s request by providing all available information about the individual detained in Russia in connection with Kirillov’s murder.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has placed the blame for the murder squarely on the Ukrainian government, accusing Kyiv of using terrorist tactics. He also emphasised the swift and effective actions of Russian security agencies.

By Naila Huseynova