FSB accuses Ukraine of preparing an assassination attempt on Putin's spiritual leader.

The Federal Security Service of Russia has accused the Ukrainian intelligence of preparing the assassination of the Metropolitan of Simferopol and Crimea, Tikhon (Shevkunov).

A Ukrainian and a Russian were detained in Moscow, whom the Russian security service considers agents of the Main Intelligence Directorate. According to the FSB, they received an explosive device in December 2024 and planned to blow up the Sretensky Monastery in Moscow during Tikhon's visit and then leave Russia.

The detainees are accused of preparing for a terrorist act and illegal circulation of explosives.

It is worth noting that Russian security services continuously spread disinformation about the preparation of terrorist acts by Ukraine.

Tikhon (Shevkunov) is one of the most renowned hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), who also acts as a television host and writer. Media have dubbed him 'Putin's spiritual leader,' which neither the president of Russia nor Shevkunov has confirmed. However, the metropolitan regularly appears at various events attended by Putin.

Metropolitan Tikhon, who is the head of the Crimean diocese of the ROC, compared the annexed Crimea to Kolyma. Earlier on October 11, the Synod of the ROC removed a priest from the position of head of the Pskov diocese and appointed him as the head of the Crimean diocese.