FSB Foils Assassination Attempt on Crimean Leader as Ukraine Launches Counteroffensive against Russia
Amid a tense and drawn-out conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has announced that they have foiled an assassination attempt on Sergey Aksyonov, the Russian-installed head of Crimea.
Amid a tense and drawn-out conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has announced that they have foiled an assassination attempt on Sergey Aksyonov, the Russian-installed head of Crimea.
The suspect, a Russian national, was picked up attempting to retrieve an explosive device from a hiding place. The Ukrainian government has not yet commented on the Russian allegations, but the conflict between the two countries continues to escalate.
'An assassination attempt organised by Ukraine's special services targeting the head of the Republic of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov, was foiled,' Russian state-run agency TASS reported, citing a statement from Russia's FSB security service
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Ukraine has been determined to regain control of Crimea, a Black Sea peninsula which Russia annexed in 2014, and the eastern and southern parts of the country that have since been claimed by Russia.
In response, Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive against Russia, and according to Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar, have since reclaimed 37.4 square kilometres (14.4 square miles) of territory along the eastern and southern fronts.Maliar added that there is heavy fighting in the Donetsk region as a result of the offensive.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been vocal in his support of the offensive, stating on Telegram that "last week was difficult on the front line. But we are making progress. We are moving forward, step by step! I thank everyone who is defending Ukraine, everyone who is leading this war to Ukraine’s victory!”.
The FSB also said that the suspect had undergone explosives, reconnaissance and sabotage training in Ukraine, and that the plan had been to blow up Aksyonov’s car.
Aksyonov thanked the FSB for stopping what he called an attempt on the lives of the “Republic of Crimea’s leadership” and said he was sure the individuals who ordered the foiled attack would be found and punished.
The attempted assassination of Aksyonov is yet another escalation in the long-running conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides continuing to jostle for control of Crimea and the eastern and southern parts of the country.
Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia has led to the reclaiming of some territory, and the government is optimistic that further progress will be made.