£275,000 Aurus Senat limousine, believed to be part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official fleet, caught fire and exploded near the headquarters of the Federal Security Service (FSB) in Moscow on March 29.
According to EuroWeekly, the incident took place north of Lubyanka, the historic site of Russia’s intelligence agency. A viral video circulating on social media shows thick smoke billowing from the luxury vehicle as bystanders rush to extinguish the flames.
Was It an Assassination Attempt?
The explosion has fueled speculation of a possible assassination attempt on Putin, especially amid heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s war in Ukraine.
While The Sun reported no injuries, it remains unclear who was inside the limousine at the time of the fire. Sources suggest the blaze started in the engine bay before quickly engulfing the vehicle’s interior.
Russia-Ukraine War: Tensions Mount Amid Peace Talks
The limousine fire comes as Russia and Ukraine ramp up aerial attacks, despite ongoing peace negotiations backed by the United States.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of delaying peace talks while preparing a fresh offensive along the 1,000-km front line.
- Zelenskyy, during his Paris visit on Thursday, dismissed Putin’s proposal for a transitional administration in Ukraine as a tactic to stall peace efforts.
- The two nations have also accused each other of targeting energy facilities, violating prior non-strike commitments.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a ceasefire, even as Russia strengthens its strategic position before potential negotiations.
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What’s Next?
Russian authorities have yet to confirm whether the Aurus Senat explosion was due to technical failure, sabotage, or a targeted attack. However, given FSB’s proximity to the site, security concerns are at an all-time high.
As the war in Ukraine intensifies, the mystery surrounding the Putin-linked limousine fire only adds to Moscow’s growing tensions.
