The media reported on Monday that Russian and Ukrainian secret services had foiled an attempt on the life of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Some analysts think this is just a publicity stunt, while others believe a real terrorist attack had been masterminded.

On February 4, Ukrainian operatives arrested three suspects in Odessa, who confessed that North Caucasus terrorist leader Doku Umarov had ordered them to assassinate Vladimir Putin.

The suspects were to have staged two “practice” terrorist attacks in Odessa before taking a train to Moscow. However, many think this plan doesn’t make sense because Odessa has been a hideout for Chechen and Ingush criminals since 1996.