Russian intelligence services were allegedly preparing to assassinate former State Duma deputy Ila Ponomarev, as well as founders of the Free Russia Forum, Gari Kasparov and Ivan Tiutrin, according to sources close to the opposition cited in the Spanish newspaper *El Mundo*. All the mentioned politicians currently reside abroad. The report indicates the Kremlin’s plan involved eliminating “one or two opponents” to send a strong message to others. Sources suggest the operation wasn't about eliminating all opposition figures, but rather demonstrating the reach and resolve of Russian security services. The intent was to intimidate the wider opposition movement existing outside of Russia. *El Mundo* reports that Gari Kasparov has been placed under special protection in the USA following the revelation. The plot highlights escalating tensions between the Kremlin and its political adversaries living in exile.