Teen ‘sent by Putin’ stabs two Russian weapons scientists

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing two senior defence scientists outside a secretive research institute in Moscow — and reportedly claiming he believed he was carrying out orders linked to Vladimir Putin.

The attack has sent shockwaves through Russia’s defence establishment. It targeted researchers tied to sensitive weapons programmes and triggered an immediate security lockdown around the facility.

Knife Attack at Secretive Weapons Lab

The stabbing took place on March 3 outside the Polus Research Institute in southwest Moscow.

Investigators say the teenager allegedly ambushed two scientists with a knife while an 18-year-old accomplice filmed the attack on a phone. The victims — defence researchers Vladimir Simakov, 70, and Alexander Lobintsov — were leaving the institute when the assault began.

The Polus facility develops laser and optoelectronic systems used in missile guidance, drones and advanced targeting equipment.

Scientist Left Fighting for Life

Simakov suffered the worst injuries, including stab wounds to the neck, chest and shoulder.

He was rushed to hospital in serious condition. Lobintsov managed to fend off the attacker with his briefcase and escaped with a cut to his hand.

Police also detained the alleged accomplice, identified as 18-year-old student Filipp Karapetyan from the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.

Teen Suspects Claim ‘Secret Mission’

According to investigators, the suspects believed they were carrying out a covert assignment ordered by Russian intelligence.

Reports circulating on the Russian Telegram channel VChK-OGPU say the teenagers allegedly told relatives they had been promised one million roubles and a personal reward from Putin if the attack succeeded.

Authorities have charged the younger suspect with attempted murder carried out by a group for mercenary motives.

Silence Falls Over Defence Sector

The incident has received little attention from Russian state media, fuelling speculation about the sensitivity of the target.

Security services reportedly sealed off the area immediately after the attack and warned staff not to discuss what happened. The institute operates under the state defence conglomerate Rostec, which produces military technology for Russia’s armed forces.

Sources also claim investigators recently discovered a suspected explosive device near the home of another nuclear weapons scientist in Moscow — raising fresh fears about security around Russia’s most sensitive research programmes.

14-year-old charged after stabbing two Russian nuclear scientists, says Putin told him to do it