Russian media reported that cleric Nikita Ivankovich and Denis Popovich, an aide to the bishop, have been arrested for planning the attack. During the investigation, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and two fake passports of Ukrainian citizens with photos of detainees and modified installation data were seized. The defendants confessed that in the middle of 2024, they were recruited by an employee of the Ukrainian intelligence agency. The criminal action was planned to be carried out during the stay of Metropolitan Tikhon in Moscow. After committing the crime, they planned to leave Russia using fake passports provided by the Ukrainian special services. A criminal case has been initiated against the accused persons for preparing a terrorist act and illegal trafficking of explosive devices. More than 70 Ukrainian telephone numbers have been found on the phones of arrested persons, state-owned Tass news agency reported. The accused persons have been charged with preparing an act of terrorism and illegal possession of explosives. The suspects have been detained and are being held in custody.
