The Russian Federal Security Service said that it had prevented an attempt on Vladimir Solovyov's life. The assassination was allegedly planned by a "neo-Nazi terrorist organization" commissioned by the Security Service of Ukraine, UP reports.
"The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation together with the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation detained a group of members of the banned in Russia neo-Nazi terrorist organization National Socialism/White Power (National Socialism/White Power, Power) - Russian citizens who were planning on the instructions of the Security Service of Ukraine to kill public figure, well-known journalist Vladimir Solovyov", - say the Russian FSB.
It is noted that during searches of the detainees' residences, they seized an alleged improvised explosive device, eight homemade Molotov cocktail type incendiary devices, six PM pistols, a rifle, an RGD-5 grenade, over one thousand cartridges of various calibers, narcotic substances, forged Ukrainian passports with photos of the group members, nationalist literature and paraphernalia.
It is also alleged that as if the members of the criminal group are confessing about the preparation of the murder of Solovyov, after which they planned to flee abroad.
"As part of the criminal case opened by the Main Investigative Directorate of the Russian Investigative Committee, evidence continues to be gathered of the criminal activities of the detainees," the report said.
The Security Service of Ukraine responded to accusations by the Russian FSB of allegedly preparing an assassination attempt.
In particular, the SBU said it did not intend to seriously comment on "fantasies of the Russian special services, which come up with another achievement for the Russian audience."
"The SBU has no plans to kill Solovyov. At the same time, given the number of fakes and anti-Ukrainian hatred that this person broadcasts, he can drown himself in the 'products' of his own low-level propaganda," the special service added.
