MELITOPOL, December 17. /TASS/. The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) stated that its safety is maintained at a high level thanks to the efforts of the radiation, chemical, and biological protection troops, while also expressing condolences over the death of Russia’s nuclear defense chief Igor Kirillov.

Around 6:00 a.m., an explosive device planted in a scooter detonated near the entrance of a residential building on Ryazansky Avenue in Moscow, investigators revealed. Igor Kirillov, 54, and his aide died in the explosion.

"Specialists of Russia's Armed Forces ensure radiation safety measures at the Zaporozhye NPP and conduct round-the-clock monitoring of the territory, so their professionalism guarantees that the safety of the ZNPP is maintained at a high level. We express our condolences to the colleagues and loved ones of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, who died today at the hands of terrorists," the statement reads.

Vladimir Rogov, Chairman of the Civic Chamber Commission on Sovereignty, Patriotic Projects, and Support of Veterans, expressed his condolences for Kirillov's death on his Telegram channel.

"Another murder in our rear. Not just in the rear - right in the capital of our homeland. He was the highest-ranking officer since the beginning of the conflict, and the terrorists have reached him. I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased!" he wrote. Rogov added that Kirillov was known for his statements regarding the activities of foreign biolabs and their connection to the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

Kirillov was born in Kostroma on July 13, 1970. He graduated from the Kostroma Higher Military Command School of Chemical Defense in 1991 and the Marshal Semyon Timoshenko NBC Protection Military Academy in 2007. Kirillov had served as Chief of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops since April 2017.