Russia accused the US of funding a plot to assassinate Vladimir Putin. Loyalists called for Putin to halt foreign trips due to threats from the US, Britain, and Ukraine.

The Russian foreign ministry claimed Ukraine, with US funding, was planning to kill Putin.

This followed comments from Lt-Gen Kyrylo Budanov, head of Kyiv’s military intelligence agency, confirming unspecified failed attempts on Putin’s life.

Senior Russian official Maria Zakharova stated that Kyiv’s intelligence was directly working to assassinate Putin, funded by American money. Putin’s spokesman assured that his security was maintained at a high level.

Pro-Kremlin analyst Sergey Markov suggested Putin should avoid international travel, alleging that multiple intelligence agencies target him.

He noted that Russia had not yet decided how to respond, which could encourage further escalation, the Daily Express has reported.

Additionally, a suspected assassination attempt was linked to a March 13, 2024 explosion in Moscow.

The car involved belonged to Denis Chilikov, a driver for a banking executive, who was reportedly a “saboteur” handling an explosive device improperly.

Chilikov, seriously injured, was expected to attend a major economic forum in St. Petersburg with Putin.

Written by B.C. Begley