Ukraine’s Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said Friday it detained two alleged agents of Russia’s military intelligence who were preparing to launch explosive-laden drones to attack Ukrainian forces in the southern port city of Odesa.
According to the SBU, counterintelligence officers moved in ahead of the planned strike, arresting the suspects as they finalized a civilian quadcopter fitted with an explosive charge and after a Russian handler had approved a target – a location linked to a local unit of Ukraine’s defense forces.
Investigators said one suspect, a 49-year-old local businessman, was recruited through a Telegram channel advertising “easy money.” He allegedly received a drone from Russian handlers and later retrieved about 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of plastic explosive and components to assemble an improvised explosive device, which he mounted on the aircraft.
The man then enlisted a 47-year-old acquaintance to help scout concentrations of Ukrainian troops, investigators said. The pair marked potential targets on Google Maps and reported back to their Russian contact before beginning preparations for the attack.
Searches uncovered the explosive-laden drone, an AK-style rifle, two Makarov pistols with ammunition, an F-1 hand grenade and other weapons, the SBU said.
Both suspects have been charged with treason committed under martial law and aiding treason. They are being held without bail and face possible life sentences with confiscation of property.
Prosecutors are continuing the investigation, including into how the weapons and ammunition were obtained, the SBU said.
In December last year, the SBU also arrested an FSB agent in Kyiv who tried to assassinate an officer of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR).
The 28-year-old foreign national was detained “red-handed” after drawing a pistol and aiming at the intelligence officer in a central Kyiv establishment.
Investigators said the suspect was recruited by the Russian FSB in his home country through Telegram channels while seeking easy income.