Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Russia Deputy Chair of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev issued sharp warnings following the killing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, accusing Ukraine and its NATO backers of orchestrating the attack and calling them legitimate military targets. Medvedev’s remarks, made on Wednesday, suggested the escalating conflict could lead to World War III.
According to The Guardian, Medvedev declared that NATO officials have effectively become participants in the war by aiding Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, making them “legitimate military targets.” The former Russian president also singled out The Times of London for an editorial that defended Kirillov’s assassination, further stoking tensions between Moscow and the West.
In its Tuesday editorial, The Times cited Ukrainian intelligence sources claiming responsibility for Kirillov’s killing, describing it as a “justifiable act of self-defense by a nation under threat” and calling it “a targeted strike against an aggressor.”
Medvedev lashed out at the British newspaper, issuing a veiled threat against its journalists, stating they “should be careful” because “anything can happen in London.”
The comments prompted a swift rebuke from British officials. Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned Medvedev’s remarks saying it was a “gangster threats” that “smacks of desperation”. “Our newspapers represent the best of British values: freedom, democracy, and independent thinking,” Lammy added.
The Killing of General Kirillov
Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, a senior Russian official leading the Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Forces, was killed in an explosion outside his residence on Tuesday morning, December 17.
According to Sindo News, Russian investigators said the attack involved an improvised explosive device (IED) packed with up to one kilogram of TNT, hidden on an electric scooter parked near the building’s entrance. The incident occurred just hours after Kyiv accused Kirillov of involvement in the use of chemical weapons on the battlefield—an allegation denied by Moscow.
Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation, citing charges of murder, terrorism, and illegal arms trafficking.
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On Wednesday, Russia’s Investigative Committee reported the arrest of a 29-year-old Uzbek national accused of carrying out the bombing. Officials claim the suspect admitted to being recruited by Ukraine’s intelligence agency, the SBU, and agreed to conduct the attack in exchange for a $100,000 reward and safe passage to the European Union.
The incident marks a sharp escalation in hostilities, fueling fears of broader repercussions as Russia points the finger at Ukraine and its Western allies. As Russia declared hostility toward NATO as Ukrainian Supporters and singled out London news paper The Times, its uncertain if the ongoing tension could lead to the world war III.
(Raidi/Agung)
