Ukrainian investigators cast doubt on Putin 'assassination plot'

Ukrainian investigators have no evidence to prove allegations of an assassination attempt planned against Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin by Ruslan Madayev (Chechnya) and Ilia Pyanzin (Kazakhstan), Kommersant reports.

A blast happened at an apartment on the Tiraspolskaya Street of Odessa on January 4. Ruslan Madayev (Russia) died, Ilia Pyanzin was hospitalized. A criminal case was initiated for illegal trafficking of explosives (2-5 years of prison). The two suspects are believed to be part of the gang of Adam Osmayev, who is on the federal wanted list for assassination attempt against Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov in 2007. Osmayev was caught in Odessa on February 4.

Prevention of the assassination attempt against Putin was announced on February 27. The Russian prosecutor general requested extradition of Osmayev.

A police spokesman Igor Skurtov said that no changes in the case happened.

The investigation has found photographs and plans for terrorist attacks. No attacks were planned for Odessa. Ukrainian investigators say that terrorist attacks were planned for Russia, but against economic facilities, rather than individuals. Putin was their final target.

Osmayev’s group consisted of at least 10 people. Chechen boxer Zaurbek Baysangulov was among their targets.