Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said Monday that its agents killed a Ukrainian man and arrested another during an operation to thwart an alleged assassination attempt of a senior Russian military officer in annexed Crimea.
The law enforcement agency said the man, allegedly recruited by Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence, was “neutralized” after placing an explosive device under the officer’s car and “offering armed resistance.”
Video shared by state news agencies showed the man’s dead body on the pavement, along with a hand grenade and a rectangular object underneath a black sedan. A close-up displayed various electronic components, including a Verizon phone with a Ukrainian coat of arms and flag on the screen.
In its statement, the FSB described the item as a “Western-made explosive device.”
A second man was placed in pre-trial detention on charges of aiding terrorist activity. The FSB said he was an accomplice of 40-year-old Rustem Fakhriyev, identified as a GUR officer and alleged organizer of the plot.
Neither the alleged assassins nor the officer purportedly targeted in the plot were identified by name.
The FSB video showed security agents arresting the second man, whose face was blurred, at his home. He appeared elderly and required help walking up steps.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
