**Russian General Killed in Moscow**
A high-ranking Russian military officer was killed in an explosion at his home in Moscow. Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, who headed Russia’s chemical and biological defense troops, died on December 17.
According to a source from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), explosives attached to a scooter detonated when Kirillov and his aide approached the entrance of their residence on Ryazansky Prospect in Moscow. The SBU had previously charged Kirillov with using banned chemical weapons in the war against Ukraine.
**Ukraine Reacts**
The Ukrainian government views Kirillov as a legitimate target due to his alleged use of chemical weapons. “Retribution for war crimes is inevitable,” said an SBU source.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov ordered an investigation into allegations of abuse and extortion within the Russian military. Ukraine also reported 1,600 casualties among Russian forces over the past day.
**Global Reactions**
The US State Department warned that if North Korean troops were to fight for Russia in Ukraine, it would be a significant escalation. The European Union has imposed sanctions on Chinese firms for supplying Russia’s military with arms and equipment for the war against Ukraine.
North Korea confirmed that its troops are involved in combat operations alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. The US Pentagon reported the first confirmed engagement of North Korean soldiers with Russian military in the Kursk Oblast.
**More Developments**
Hungary has consistently blocked EU sanctions on Russia, despite criticism from other European countries. A confidence vote in Germany’s parliament resulted in Chancellor Olaf Scholz failing to win support, paving the way for early parliamentary elections.
Ukraine’s laser system, called Tryzub, can down aircraft at high altitudes, according to Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov announced that Moscow aims to seize more Ukrainian territory in 2025.
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