Vladimir Putin assassination attempt would have been 'hugely complex operation', Western officials say - iNews

Western officials have cast doubts over claims Vladimir Putin was the subject of a recent assassination attempt, citing the increasingly small circle of contacts the Russian leader allows around him.

Ukraine’s intelligence chief suggested on Monday that Mr Putin was the target of an assassination attempt about two months ago, carried out by “representatives of the Caucasus” – a region that includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and parts of southern Russia.

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Chief Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, said the attempt was made but was “absolutely unsuccessful”.

Western sources have been unable to verify the claims, but said any such attempt on the Russian leader’s life would be challenging.

“President Putin is operating – and has done through Covid and in an enduring basis – in a smaller and smaller grouping. He has fewer contacts, he has fewer public engagements. It’s a more controlled environment around him. So were anyone to attempt to do something like that it would be a hugely complex operation,” the official said.

Speculation around the Russian Premier’s health continues to persist with recent news clips appearing to show involuntary movements in his hands and feet.

But officials have refused to be drawn on the claims, stating that he remains in control of the Russian state.

“At this moment, President Putin is firmly in control of his inner circle, the country and the decisions that are being made, irrespective of any speculation about his health. President Putin is still the decision-maker,” the source said.

More on Russia-Ukraine war

The West has repeatedly insisted it does not want to seek regime change in Russia, and has instead called for Mr Putin to withdraw from Ukraine and back to the pre-2014 borders, before the annexation of Crimea.

But Mr Budanov made the claim that an attempt on the Russian President’s life, telling the Ukrainian Pravda: “He was even attacked in the line of, as they say, representatives of the Caucasus not so long ago.

“This is non-public information. Absolutely unsuccessful attempt, but it really took place… It was about two months ago.

“Once again, he was unsuccessful. There is no publicity about this event, but it took place. “

Western officials also delivered a pessimistic outlook on the chances of allowing grain exports to be given “safe passage” out of Odessa amid growing concerns over shortages and soaring food prices.

The First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko called on the international community to help enable the country to export the millions of tonnes of grain it has in its stockpile.

But sources said that any hope of creating a humanitarian corridor to allow the grain exports to set sail in the Black Sea would require Russian “permission”.

The West also believes the Russian advance in the Donbas may begin to see its troops achieve some minor objectives, including the encirclement of Ukrainian forces in a small pocket near Dontesk.

But officials warned further objectives would likely be harder to achieve. “It’s inevitable that Russians…will try and move on Kramatorsk. That is a big and challenging target and will cost them heavily but that will be the next goal for them.”

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2022-05-23 20:53:00Z
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