Reuters reports and Russian state-run media claim that the Russian Federal Security Service has dismantled an alleged Ukrainian plot against Metropolitan Tikhon Shavkunov. This man is described by many as Vladimir Putin’s confessor. This assassination plot could strain existing relations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.
Konstantin Mihalchevskiy/Associated Press
What are the implications of this alleged plot?
It is alarming that the FSB has made such claims, given that there have been numerous assassinations in Russia and attempted attempts to do so since February 2022. Ukraine even claimed some responsibility. The FSB’s claims are alarming, given the history of reported assassinations and attempts in Russia since February 2022. Some of these have been attributed to Ukraine. A murder attempt against a prominent figure like Metropolitan Tikhon would escalate tensions significantly between Moscow and Kyiv. It could also derail or complicate any U.S.-mediated peace talks.
Detail of the Alleged Assassination plot targeting Metropolitan Tikhon
According to the FSB, Ukrainian intelligence was responsible for orchestrating the attack that was supposed to occur in Moscow. The FSB reports the arrest of two people, one Russian and the other Ukrainian, who are accused of planning the assassination. According to FSB these individuals had been recruited by Main Intelligence Directorate of Ministry of Defence of Ukraine via Telegram, and they began planning the murder in late 2024.
The Russian government news agency TASS says that they were planning on planting an explosive in Metropolitan Tikhon’s Moscow apartment, located at Sretensky Monastery. RBC Russia reported that authorities confiscated a homemade explosive and two false Ukrainian passports during detention.
The FSB says the detainees confessed to using the fake Ukrainian documents to escape abroad after the attack. Denis Popovich was one of those detained. He is a 27-year-old man, supposedly born in Ukraine, who was acting as Metropolitan Tikhon’s secretariat. According to Beware of News, he had been detained for refusing police orders while on his way to Sretensky Monastery.
Popovich said that, during an interrogation with police officers, he claimed to have been hired by the church under threat of violent violence being used against the clergyman’s family. Popovich claimed that he had been tasked to find an accomplice in order “to eliminate Metropolitan Tikhon”.
Nikita Avankovich (28), the second suspect, was detained in mid-February. Ivankovich, a graduate from the Sretensky Seminary in Moscow and a boy altar at a local church located in Sokolniki District. These details paint a picture about individuals who may have knowledge and access to Metropolitan Tikhon’s daily routines, including the places involved.
Who is Metropolitan Tikhon Shivkunov
Metropolitan Tikhon Shévkunov (66) is an important figure in the Russian Orthodox Church. He’s often called “Putin’s confessor” by media. Since approximately 30 years, he has had a close relationship with Putin. Shevkunov and Putin are acquainted, according to the Kremlin. Shevkunov became one the leading Russian Orthodox Church officials in the Crimean Peninsula, which was illegally annexed by Russia and Ukraine in 2014. This further strengthened his influence.
Reactions and commentaries
Leonid ragozin is a journalist who commented on X.The FSB says that the Ukrainian secret service recruited two aides to Metropolitan Tikhon (reportedly Putin’s guide spiritual) in order assassinate him. Chernivtsy is the home of one of those arrested. The allegations are international in nature and could have connections with specific areas within Ukraine.
Jürgen NaudittPreviously, a pro Ukraine user wrote on XWho has the most difficult job? Putin’s confessor is Metropolitan Tikhon Shevkunov. Although this comment was made before, it highlights the inherent dangers associated with a position of such high profile and political sensitivity.
What lies ahead
The criminal investigation of the assassination attempt is in progress. Both domestically and abroad, the outcome of the investigation, and any potential penalties for those found guilty, will be closely monitored, due to its impact on Russia-Ukraine relationships and the wider geopolitical scene. The FSB’s accusations and any subsequent legal actions will probably add to the volatile and complex situation that exists between Russia, Ukraine and other countries.