In an explosive allegation, Russia claims that the United States financed Ukrainian attempts to assassinate President Vladimir Putin. Citing remarks by Ukrainian intelligence chief Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov admitting to failed assassination plots, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Washington of bankrolling Ukraine’s “malicious activities” through military aid. The Kremlin warns of severe consequences, as tensions soar amid the U.S. decision to send controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine. The U.S. has not responded to Moscow’s incendiary claims. As the war rages on, could these assassination allegations push Moscow and Washington closer to confrontation? Or is Russia bluffing to gain leverage?