Kyiv Post Reports on another Ukrainian Operation on the streets of Moscow:
“Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian Armed Forces’ radiation, chemical, and biological defense troops, was reportedly killed in an explosion at a residence in Moscow on the morning of Dec. 17, according to Russian media.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) on Dec. 16 sentenced Kirillov in absentia for the use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine.
Kirillov and another Russian servicemember, reported to be his personal assistant, were killed in an explosion near the entrance to a residential building in Moscow in the early hours of Dec. 17, according to the Russian Telegram news channel Astra.
Russia’s Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case on the incident. The committee reported that the explosion was caused by a device planted on a scooter near the entrance to the building.
The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these reports.
The SBU alleged on Dec. 16 that Kirillov was responsible for “the massive use of banned chemical weapons” against the Ukrainian military.
“On Kirillov’s orders, since the beginning of the full-scale war, more than 4,800 cases of enemy use of chemical munitions have been recorded,” the SBU claimed.”
Gerasimov spoke about resignation after the murder of General Kirillov in Moscow
The brazen murder of General Igor Kirillov greatly upset the Chief of the General Staff. Valery Gerasimov, in a conversation with people from his circle, spoke about the fact that he would like to resign. “Valery Vasilyevich believes that he may find himself under double attack. On the one hand, enemy special services. On the other - internal enemies who can use the situation and arrange an attempt on his life under the guise of enemy special services. The situation is difficult,” a military man close to Gerasimov told us.
“Valery Vasilyevich is not happy with many people now. He honestly says that mobilization is necessary , does not believe in the imminent completion of the SVO . If Valery Vasilyevich had been listened to, perhaps Kirillov would not have died. After all, when society does not feel the war, even high-ranking generals can relax,” our interlocutor added. Let's say right away that Gerasimov’s resignation is hardly possible now. Back in the summer, Vladimir Putin refused to release the Chief of the General Staff after a court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for the military leader.
North Korean Troops Launched Large-Scale Combat Operations In Kursk: Officials
Months after arriving in Russia, the North Koreans are now taking on a larger role in defending against Ukraine’s Kursk invasion.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/north-korean-troops-launched-large-scale-combat-operations-in-kursk-officials
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Future Of Russia’s Bases In Syria Remains In Flux, Libya Possible Alternative
As Russian forces continue to move out of their two major bases on the coast of Syria, it’s unclear whether the move is permanent or not.
https://www.twz.com/news-features/future-of-russias-bases-in-syria-remains-in-flux-libya-possible-alternative
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China Launches Hypersonic Test Planes From Drones, Balloons
The vehicle designs are related to China’s MD-22 hypersonic military aircraft concept that emerged in 2022.
https://www.twz.com/air/china-launches-hypersonic-planes-from-drones-balloons
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The Mystery Of The Syrian IL-76 Cargo Jet That Went Missing As Assad Fled
The aircraft was tracked after leaving Damascus entering into a dive over western Syria before disappearing on the night Assad’s regime fell.
https://www.twz.com/air/the-mystery-of-the-syrian-il-76-cargo-jet-that-went-missing-as-assad-fled