Russian President Vladimir Putin survived an assassination attempt after his car was allegedly attacked while travelling to his official residence in a decoy motorcade, according to media reports.
The Mirror, a UK daily, reported that Putin was in his limousine when a “loud bang” was heard from the left front wheel of the car followed by heavy smoke.
Putin managed to escape unhurt following which he was quickly taken to safety by his personal security guards.
It is unconfirmed when the incident took place, but reports suggest that the attack happened this week amid the Russia-Ukraine war. The information on his assassination was released on the General GVR Telegram channel on Wednesday.
It said that multiple arrests have been made from Putin’s security services, as some of his bodyguards reportedly vanished amid speculations that secret information about the 69-year-old leader’s movements was leaked.
According to reports, Putin was travelling in the third armoured car among the five that were used as decoys.
“On the way to the residence, a few kilometres away, the first escort car was blocked by an ambulance, the second escort car drove around without stopping (due to the) sudden obstacle, and during the detour of the obstacle,” according to an update on posted on the channel, as reported by the outlet.
SVR General reported that “despite the problems with control” Putin’s car escaped the attack scene and safely reached his residence.
“Subsequently, the body of a man was found driving [the] ambulance, which blocked the first car from the motorcade,” said SVR General.
The channel said that the details of the attack are “classified”, and did not provide details of the supposed attack on Putin’s life.
This is not the first time that someone had tried to take Putin’s life. In 2017, the Russian leader publicly disclosed that he has survived at least five assassination attempts.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.
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