The Counterintelligence Service of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained a suspected Russian agent accused of planning a series of terrorist attacks in northern Ukraine, including a failed bomb attack targeting a National Guard soldier in Kyiv.
According to the SBU, the 19-year-old suspect, a resident of the Kyiv region, was recruited by Russian special services through Telegram channels offering “easy money.”
Investigators say the young agent arrived in Kyiv, rented an apartment, and followed detailed instructions from his Russian handlers to assemble explosives. He then purchased a scooter, hid an improvised explosive device (IED) in its storage compartment, and placed it near a pre-arranged meeting spot.
The SBU said the Russian side lured a Ukrainian National Guard soldier to the location under the guise of a date arranged via a messaging app. When the soldier arrived, the IED was detonated remotely. Fortunately, no one was injured.
After the failed attempt, the suspect was allegedly ordered to Pryluky in the Chernihiv region to prepare new attacks. One task involved setting fire to a military vehicle, which he carried out before being detained by law enforcement officers after a “hot pursuit.”
During the arrest, police found components for making more explosive devices and a mobile phone containing evidence of his communication with Russian intelligence.
SBU investigators have officially notified the suspect of criminal charges under Part 2 of Article 258 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code – committing a terrorist act. He faces up to 12 years in prison with the possibility of property confiscation if convicted.
The operation was carried out by the SBU Counterintelligence Service and the National Police under the procedural supervision of the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.