Moscow, Russia | 22 January 2026
On 22 January 2026, Uzbekistan national Ahmadjon Qurbonov (also transliterated as Kurbonov) was sentenced to life imprisonment by Russia’s Second Western District Military Court in Moscow for his role in the December 2024 bombing that killed Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his aide .
Mr. Qurbonov, who reportedly admitted guilt and cooperated with investigators, was also fined one million rubles (approximately USD 13,000) . The court found him guilty under articles of Russia’s criminal code related to terrorism and the illegal manufacture of explosive devices . According to Russian investigative reports cited by media, Mr. Qurbonov claimed he was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services and promised USD 100,000 and relocation assistance for carrying out the attack .
Three other individuals were sentenced in the same closed-door case. An Azerbaijani national, Robert Safaryan, received 25 years for allegedly delivering the explosive device, while two others—Batukhan Tochiev and Ramazan Padiev received 22 and 18 years, respectively, for allegedly providing logistical support . Mr. Safaryan partially admitted guilt, while the other two defendants denied involvement .
References:
2. Times of Central Asia. “Uzbek Citizen Sentenced to Life in Russia Over Killing of Russian General Kirillov.” timesca.com, 22 Jan. 2026, https://timesca.com/uzbek-citizen-sentenced-to-life-in-russia-over-killing-of-russian-general-kirillov/.
