Russian President Vladimir Putin survived an assassination attempt two months ago, a top Ukrainian military official said Monday.
Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, said an “unsuccessful attempt” on the Russian strongman’s life occurred in the Caucasus shortly after Russia invaded the nation on Feb. 24, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
“There was an attempt to assassinate Putin,” Budanov told the outlet. “He was even attacked, it is said, by representatives of the Caucasus, not so long ago.”
The Caucasus, also known as Caucasia, is a region between the Black and Caspian seas comprising Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and parts of southern Russia.
Budanov said the “absolutely unsuccessful” assassination attempt took place in an unspecific region there about two months ago.
“I repeat, this attempt was unsuccessful,” Budanov continued. “There was no publicity about this event, but it took place.”
The interview with Budanov will be aired in full Tuesday, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
The claim, which could not immediately be independently verified, comes amid reports that Putin, 69, has recently undergone surgery to remove fluid from his abdomen as his health purportedly declines. (NYPost)