Photo: Press service of the Security Service of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine – The Security Service of Ukraine jointly with the National Police prevented a series of terrorist attacks prepared by Russian FSS agents in Kyiv region. According to the SSU press service, during a special operation, an agent couple was detained who, on the instructions of Russian special services, planned to blow up buildings of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the police and the prosecutor’s office.
Details of the special operation
According to the SSU, the FSS agents intended to attack the locations of local police units, territorial recruitment centres (TCCs) and the prosecutor’s office. They received instructions from their Russian supervisors and were able to choose the first target for attack.
However, thanks to the prompt actions of the Ukrainian special services, the terrorist attacks were prevented at the preparation stage.
Who was recruited?
Russian special services remotely recruited two residents of Kyiv region – a 27-year-old drug addict and his partner. According to the SSU, the couple was looking for “easy money” through anonymous Telegram channels, where they came across FSS agents.
After receiving instructions, they settled in a hostel near Kyiv, where they began to make an improvised explosive device (IED).
How was the terrorist attack planned?
To manufacture the explosives, the agents purchased chemical components for the synthesis of explosives, as well as striking elements such as metal bolts, nails and aluminium shavings. The container for the explosives was to be a recycled fire extinguisher, which was to be used to disguise the device.
After the explosives were manufactured, the agents had to “report” to their FSS supervisors, receive the coordinates for planting the explosives and record the attack on video.
Caught red-handed
At the final stage of the operation, SSU officers detained the agents red-handed while they were working on explosive components. During the search, law enforcement officers seized:
– 2 kg of explosive;
– a recycled fire extinguisher for masking IEDs;
– fuzes for explosives;
– mobile phones with evidence of contacts with the FSB;
– a video recorder for filming a planned terrorist attack.
Legal implications
The detainees were served a notice of suspicion under the following articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
– Article 14(1), Article 258(2) – preparation to commit a terrorist act by prior conspiracy of a group of persons;
– Part 2 of Art. 263-1 – illegal manufacture of explosives and explosive devices.
The suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property. They are currently in custody.
Official SSU commentary
The SSU press service stressed the danger of recruiting citizens through anonymous channels and called for caution:
“Russia is using all methods to destabilise the situation in Ukraine, including recruiting vulnerable people to organise terrorist attacks. Special services are working proactively to protect citizens,”the SSU said.
Joint operation of law enforcement agencies
The operation was conducted by the SSU in Kyiv and Kyiv region jointly with the National Police under the supervision of the Fastiv District Prosecutor’s Office.
