Rumors about a possible assassination attempt on President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Budapest have generated tensions in Russia. Andrei Bezrukov, a former intelligence officer, stated on Russian television that British services were preparing an operation against the Russian leader, suggesting moving the meeting with Donald Trump to Dubai to avoid risks.
Bezrukov accused the British authorities of wanting to "hit Russia" for their own interest, but did not provide concrete evidence for his claims. He also emphasized that the country's interests are more important than the personal courage of the president. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov did not confirm Putin's trip to Hungary, but speculation has increased. Hungary is the only EU country that has promised not to comply with international arrest warrants for the Russian president.