**Russian General Killed in Moscow**
A top Russian general and his assistant were killed on December 17 in Moscow. The incident is being reported as a possible violation of the rules of warfare.
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for the attack, calling the general a “war criminal” who had ordered the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops. However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that this does not obstruct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Blinken noted that targeting military officers in their hometowns can escalate tensions. He said, “When you kill admirals or generals in their hometown, it’s kind of like you’re extending it. And I don‘t think it’s a smart thing to do.”
The general was allegedly killed by a bomb attached to a scooter. Two suspects have been detained by Russian security forces over the incident.
**Investigation Underway**
Two sources cited by Russian media outlet RBC said that investigators consider Ukrainian involvement in the attack as the most plausible scenario. The use of a mercenary to carry out the assassination is also being criticized as not a good idea.