Russian President said his main spy agency had foiled what he cast as a Western plot to kill a prominent Russian journalist.

“This morning, the Federal Security Service stopped the activities of a terrorist group that planned to attack and kill one famous Russian TV journalist. They have moved to terror - to preparing the murder of our journalists”, - Vladimir Putin told prosecutors.

He did not immediately provide evidence to support his claims. Reuters was unable to immediately verify the claims.

Putin also said the West was trying to destroy Russia from the inside but that such attempts would fail. He said the US Central Intelligence Agency was directing attempts to undermine Russia and advising the Ukrainian government.

Russia leader added that foreign media organizations and social media had been used by the West to confect provocations against Russia’s armed forces. Such actions, he said, should be stopped.