Russia has foiled a plot to kill the governor of Russia's second city of St Petersburg, who is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin.
MOSCOW: Russia has foiled a plot to kill the governor of Russia's second city of St Petersburg, who is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, the state security service said on Saturday.
he Federal Security Service (FSB) said two suspects had been detained on suspicion of being involved in the plan to assassinate Valentina Matviyenko.
"The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation together with the Interior Ministry has foiled an attempt on the life of the governor of St Petersburg, Valentina Matviyenko," the FSB said in a statement.
The FSB said the two suspects, both Russian citizens, were detained on May 16 and found to be in the possession of two hand grenades and more than 500 grams (1.1 lb) of plastic explosives.
Interfax news agency earlier citing an unidentified law enforcement source as saying three people had been detained.
Matviyenko, 58, told reporters on Saturday she knew people had been detained but said she had no plans to increase security measures.
"I know about this information but I cannot make any comment until the investigation is finished," she was quoted by Interfax as saying when asked about the report. "I feel calm."
Matviyenko, one of the most influential women in Russian politics, was elected governor of St Petersburg in 2003 and Putin approved a second, five year term in December.
Known for her eye-catching dress sense, Matviyenko has sought to boost St Petersburg's commercial and political importance and recover some of its pre-revolutionary image.
Matviyenko, a former diplomat who was born in what is now Ukraine, has helped Putin, himself a native of St Petersburg, cement Kremlin control over the northern city.
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