The FSB accused Ukraine of attempting to assassinate Metropolitan Tikhon.

The statement, which is being disseminated by state media and Telegram channels, claims that a Ukrainian and a Russian were detained in Moscow, allegedly recruited by Ukraine's GUR.

According to the FSB, the detainees received an explosive device through a hidden stash in December 2024. They supposedly planned to plant it in the Sretensky Monastery in Moscow and detonate it when Tikhon arrived in the capital, after which they intended to flee Russia using fake passports.

Reports from Russian security forces indicate that the detainees have confessed. They are facing charges of preparing for a terrorist act and illegal possession of explosives.

"Novaya Gazeta" reported on February 27 that two graduates of the Moscow Sretensky Seminary were detained in January and February in Moscow. "They are accused of using a shovel to allegedly bury TNT in a juice box at Terletskiy Park," the article states.

The detainees are named Denis Popovich and Nikita Ivankovich. The former is said to have served in Tikhon's office and taught at the Pskovo-Pechorsk Spiritual Seminary, while the latter completed the Church-wide postgraduate studies and doctorate at the Russian Orthodox Church.

In 2022, the Telegram channel "Bishop Lucifer" reported on graduates of the Sretensky Seminary, founded by Tikhon, accusing them of creating a "Banderite lobby" within the bishop's circle, as noted by "Novaya."

The Ukrainian side has yet to comment on the FSB's accusations.

The Russian security service regularly reports on the detention of individuals allegedly preparing terrorist acts, including on behalf of Ukraine. This year, security forces have killed several people during detentions.

• Tikhon (Shevkunov) is one of the most well-known hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church, also serving as a television host and writer. Media have referred to him as "Putin's spiritual advisor," a claim neither President Vladimir Putin nor Shevkunov has confirmed. However, the metropolitan frequently appears at various events alongside Putin, and the Russian president's views on history and politics seem to align closely with those of Shevkunov. Tikhon took the helm of the diocese in the annexed Crimea in 2023, having previously served as a metropolitan in Pskov and earlier as the rector of the Moscow Sretensky Monastery.