On December 19, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as reported by the press service of the President of Uzbekistan.

During the discussion, both leaders addressed key issues of bilateral cooperation, as well as multilateral collaboration within regional organizations.

The importance of continuing close and effective cooperation between the special services of both countries to strengthen the fight against security threats and challenges was also highlighted.

According to the Russian President's press service, the phone conversation was initiated by the Uzbek side.

"Shavkat Mirziyoyev conveyed heartfelt condolences regarding the tragic death of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, Head of the Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defense Forces of the Russian Armed Forces, and his assistant Ilya Polikarpov. Uzbekistan unequivocally condemns this appalling act of terrorism," the Kremlin statement read.

The two leaders also focused on continuing and strengthening cooperation between their countries' special services in the fight against terrorism.

Additionally, Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Vladimir Putin on the success of the "Live Communication" event and his year-end press conference.

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant were killed on December 17 in an explosion outside Kirillov’s home on Ryazansky Prospect in Moscow. According to the investigation, a homemade explosive device was placed on an electric scooter near the building's entrance.

On December 18, the Russian Investigative Committee, in cooperation with the Federal Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, detained a 29-year-old Uzbek citizen on suspicion of involvement in the terrorist attack. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services and was promised a $100,000 reward, along with guaranteed residence in a European country.