30 Facts About Igor Kirillov

Early Life and Education

Igor Kirillov's journey began in Moscow, where he was born into a family with a strong academic background.

1. Birth and Early Life: Igor Leonidovich Kirillov was born on September 14, 1932, in Moscow, Russia. His father, Leonid Mikhailovich Kirillov, was an engineer, and his mother, Revekka Veniaminovna Kirillova, was a librarian.

2. Education: Initially, Kirillov planned to become a director but was admitted to the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography to study acting. He left after one year and graduated from the Mikhail Shchepkin Higher Theatre School.

Career in Theatre and Media

Kirillov's career in theatre set the stage for his future roles in media, where he became a household name.

3. Career in Theatre: After graduation, Kirillov worked at the Moscow Drama and Comedy Theatre. His early career in theatre laid the foundation for his future roles in media and public speaking.

4. Entry into Media: In 1957, Kirillov won an audition to become a newsreader for Soviet Central Television (CT USSR). This marked the beginning of his illustrious career in media.

The Iconic Vremya News Program

Kirillov became synonymous with Soviet news, especially through his work on the Vremya news program.

5. Vremya News Program: For 30 years, Kirillov co-anchored the network's prime-time news broadcast Vremya. He was known for his slow delivery, which he believed was a Russian preference and beneficial for Soviet citizens with native languages other than Russian.

6. Significant Events Covered: During his tenure, Kirillov anchored pivotal events such as the annual celebrations of state occasions, the death and state funeral of Leonid Brezhnev and his successors Yuri Andropov and Konstantin Chernenko, and Yuri Gagarin's orbit of the earth in 1961.

7. Reporting on Major Events: Kirillov also covered significant international events like the Soviet government's decision to invade Afghanistan in 1979 and the Moscow Olympics the following year. He accompanied Soviet leaders on their official visits to foreign countries to report on location.

Awards and Recognition

Kirillov's contributions to media did not go unnoticed, earning him several prestigious awards.

8. Awards and Recognition: In 1988, Kirillov was awarded the People's Artist of the USSR, a prestigious honor for his contributions to Soviet media.

Transition to Military Career

After retiring from television, Kirillov made a surprising shift to a military career, where he continued to excel.

9. Transition to Military Career: After his retirement from television, Kirillov transitioned to a military career. This marked a significant shift in his professional life, where he would eventually rise to become a high-ranking officer.

10. Military Education and Training: Kirillov graduated with honors from the Kostroma Higher Military Command School of Chemical Defense in 1991. He then served as a platoon commander in the Western Group of Forces from 1991 to 1994.

Rise Through Military Ranks

Kirillov's military career saw him rise through the ranks quickly, thanks to his leadership skills.

11. Rise Through the Ranks: From 1995, Kirillov held successive positions from company commander to brigade commander of a separate radiation, chemical, and biological protection brigade. His leadership skills and expertise in NBC protection earned him rapid promotion.

12. Advanced Training: From 2005 to 2007, Kirillov studied at the NBC Protection Military Academy, further enhancing his knowledge and skills in chemical and biological defense.

Leadership and Innovations

Kirillov's leadership in the military led to significant advancements in NBC protection.

13. Leadership Roles: In 2009, Kirillov served in various positions within the Office of the Chief of the Russian NBC Protection Troops. His experience and leadership abilities made him an ideal candidate for higher command roles.

14. Academia and Teaching: In September 2014, Kirillov was appointed head of the Timoshenko NBC Protection Military Academy. This role not only showcased his administrative skills but also his commitment to education and training in NBC protection.

15. Head of NBC Protection Troops: From April 2017, Major General Kirillov was the head of the NBC Protection Troops of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. He played a crucial role in the creation and adoption of the new heavy flamethrower system TOS-2 "Tosochka."

Controversies and Sanctions

Kirillov's career was not without controversy, especially regarding his involvement in military actions and allegations of chemical weapon use.

16. International Sanctions: For direct participation in military actions against a sovereign state, Igor Kirillov was added to the international sanctions list. He was sanctioned by Canada in February 2022 and by Ukraine in October 2022. The United Kingdom also sanctioned him in October 2024.

17. Allegations and Controversies: Kirillov was accused by Ukraine's SBU of deploying chemical weapons over 4,800 times during the invasion of Ukraine. He also made claims about Western bio-laboratories and their possible connection with the spread of infectious diseases, including Covid-19. These allegations were not supported by evidence.

18. Claims on Biological Experiments: Kirillov reported multiple times on biological security challenges in Africa before his death. He mentioned dangerous biological experiments by American military biologists, including the prospect of artificially spreading the Ebola virus in September 2022.

Assassination and Aftermath

Kirillov's life ended abruptly in a tragic assassination, marking a significant event in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

19. Assassination: On December 17, 2024, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov was assassinated in an explosion in Moscow. He died along with an assistant as they were leaving a residential complex along the Ryazansky Prospekt area. Authorities blamed his death on the detonation of an explosive device concealed in an E-scooter.

20. Responsibility Claimed by Ukraine: Sources from Ukraine's security services claimed responsibility for the targeted killing. This marked a significant escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the high stakes involved in military operations.

21. Highest-Ranking Assassinated Russian General: Kirillov is the most senior Russian military official to be killed in such a blast in Moscow since the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. His assassination sent shockwaves through the Russian military and international community.

Legacy and Impact

Despite controversies, Kirillov left a lasting legacy in both media and military fields.

22. Sanctions and Allegations: The U.K. sanctioned Kirillov and his unit in October over the alleged use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, describing him as a “significant mouthpiece for Russian disinformation.” Ukraine also charged him in absentia for using banned chemical weapons during the Russo-Ukrainian war.

23. Claims on Western Bio-Laboratories: Kirillov claimed that Washington planned to provide biological weapons to Ukraine and that this would include targeting Russian troops with malaria-infected mosquitoes. He also accused Kyiv of using Western-made chemical weapons and developing a “dirty bomb” — a conventional weapon that would spread nuclear material.

24. Legacy and Impact: Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Kirillov played a significant role in both Soviet and Russian media. His contributions to reporting major events and his leadership in NBC protection are notable. His legacy continues to be felt in the Russian military and media landscape.

Personal Life and Reporting Style

Kirillov's personal life remained relatively private, but his reporting style left a lasting impression.

25. Personal Life: Kirillov is survived by his wife and two sons. His personal life remained relatively private, with little information available about his family and personal interests outside of his professional career.

26. Reporting Style: Kirillov was known for his slow and deliberate delivery, which he believed was a Russian preference. This style was also beneficial for Soviet citizens with native languages other than Russian, ensuring that news was conveyed clearly and comprehensively.

Coverage of State Occasions and International Reporting

Kirillov's work often involved covering significant state occasions and international events.

27. Coverage of State Occasions: During his tenure at Vremya, Kirillov covered numerous state occasions, including annual celebrations and state funerals. His reporting on these events provided a glimpse into the inner workings of Soviet politics and society.

28. International Reporting: Kirillov accompanied Soviet leaders on their official visits to foreign countries, providing on-location reporting that offered a unique perspective on international relations and global events.

Military Innovations and Controversies

Kirillov's military career included significant innovations and controversies.

29. Military Innovations: Under Kirillov's leadership, the Russian military developed new heavy flamethrower systems like the TOS-2 "Tosochka." This innovation showcased his commitment to advancing military technology and enhancing NBC protection capabilities.

30. Controversies and Criticisms: Kirillov faced numerous controversies and criticisms throughout his career, particularly regarding his claims about Western bio-laboratories and the use of chemical weapons. These allegations were often met with skepticism and lack of evidence, highlighting the complexities and challenges of international relations and military operations.

Kirillov's Multifaceted Legacy

Igor Kirillov's life was a blend of media stardom and military prowess. Born in Moscow, he first made waves as a news presenter, becoming a familiar face on Soviet Central Television. His calm, deliberate delivery made him a trusted voice during pivotal moments like Yuri Gagarin's spaceflight and the Moscow Olympics.

Transitioning to a military career, Kirillov excelled in NBC protection, eventually leading the Russian NBC Protection Troops. His work on the TOS-2 "Tosochka" flamethrower system showcased his commitment to advancing military tech.

However, his career wasn't without controversy. Accusations of deploying chemical weapons and spreading disinformation marred his later years. His assassination in 2024 marked a dramatic end to a complex life.

Kirillov's legacy is a mix of significant contributions to media and military, overshadowed by allegations and his untimely death. His impact remains a topic of debate and reflection.