Russia's power boss escapes deadly attack

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - One of Russia's most powerful figures survived a daring assassination attempt by camouflaged hitmen who detonated a bomb near his car and sprayed his convoy with automatic gunfire.

Anatoly Chubais, the 49-year-old head of Russia's state-controlled electricity monopoly, Unified Energy Systems, and one of the architects of post-Soviet economic reforms, told a news conference he had been aware of plot to kill him.

"I have an idea who could have taken out a contract on me," a shaken-looking Chubais said, without elaboration. "We had reason to believe this might happen."

But he refused to say whether he believed the attack was motivated by his politics — he is co-founder of the liberal Union of Right Forces party — or by his controversial plan to introduce competition to Russia's state-run electricity market.

Chubais rose to prominence as one of the "young reformers" who spearheaded the privatization of state-owned property that benefited a handful of well-connected businessmen after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The one-time chief of staff to president Boris Yeltsinwas blamed for the subsequent huge drop in living standards and is frequently described "as the most hated man in Russia."

"The main thing I can say today is that everything I have done, regarding both the reform of the country's energy sector and the unification of democratic forces, I will continue to do with redoubled energy," Chubais told reporters.

Authorities said the attackers detonated a land mine as Chubais's armoured black BMW and a second car with his bodyguards were leaving his home. At least two gunmen in combat fatigues sprayed the cars with automatic weapons fire.

Chubais said his driver sped up to escape the attack while bodyguards engaged the assailants. No one was hurt in the skirmish and the attackers escaped into a nearby forest.

Investigators said they had found a green Saab they believe was used as a getaway car.