Moscow, 17 March 2005. I am ready to share with you the information I have at the moment. I was riding my usual route to work this morning, just like I do every day. As we were passing one part of the road, which we have always considered to be potentially vulnerable, we heard an explosion. Immediately, we saw scratches on the windscreen caused by bomb fragments. There were also traces of fragments or bullets on the bonnet. Despite that—and the punctured right front wheel—the car could move on. We took a decision that ought to be taken in such a situation—to drive on so as to escape from the attack. As I understand, the security service vehicle behind us had more damage—its windscreen was smashed. The security people acted very professionally: they rushed out of their car and encountering gunfire fired in return, making the attackers leave. I think that the actions taken by the security service were absolutely correct.

At the moment, it is not clear whether the gunfire came from one or several points. Currently, there is evidence that the gunfire came from three places.

It was a relief for me to hear that none of the security guards or people who just happened to be driving by were injured. There were no wounded, which shows the professionalism of the security service.

Frankly speaking, generally, I have had reason to expect something of the kind, and that is why we took additional security measures, which proved to be relevant and timely. I think I know who could commission this attack. I will closely cooperate with the law enforcement bodies that will deal with this criminal case, so as to ensure that the offenders do not go unpunished. We will do everything to achieve that.

QUESTION: Can you say now who ordered this attack?

CHUBAIS: Of course not. Now, while the investigation is going on, I will not do that so as not to hamper the investigation.

QUESTION: In connection with the incident, are you going to change the working schedule, cancel trips or meetings, or tighten security?

CHUBAIS: The answer is quite definite. I have nine meetings scheduled for today, and I have held five of them. All of them started in due time, without a minute's delay. Now, because of this press conference, we have postponed the meeting of the Reform Commission by fifteen minutes. The Commission is a vital unit which determines our further steps to reform the electricity industry. As soon as we finish [this press-conference], I will start the meeting. Everything scheduled for today will not be postponed, not for an hour. As to tightening the security arrangements, well, if I were to assess the situation, the security service acted professionally—their actions were very competent and adequate. I highly appreciate their work. The work of our security service proved to be effective, and I see no reason why measures should be taken to strengthen security.

All routine trips will be according to the schedule, there will be no changes—except for making them more intense.

QUESTION: Has [President] Putin been informed of the event, and have you had a talk with him in connection with the attack?

CHUBAIS: As far as I know, he was immediately informed of the fact. I had a talk with the Head of the Presidential Administration.

The strongest impression today was the number of calls from reporters, newspaper editors-in-chief, governors, ministers, actors, intelligentsia, representatives of foreign states, including government officials. Such a flood of support—it is really touching.

QUESTION: What is your opinion of the steps taken by the law enforcement bodies?

CHUBAIS: As you know, I have been holding routine meetings at RAO UES and did not review the updates in detail. Even in my unprofessional opinion, it is clear that the attack was organized very well. The Minsk highway is half a kilometre away. It is quite obvious even to a non-professional, that it would be very easy for the attackers, who were wearing white camouflage, to escape. It was very difficult to capture them right away. As I have been told, a plan has been announced to catch the criminals, who have been included in the wanted list.