You're reading: SBU: Terrorist attack was being prepared in Kyiv ahead of Independence Day

Officers of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained three members of an organized criminal group in the town of Vasylkiv, Kyiv region, on August 22, who intended to detonate a bomb during the celebration of Ukraine's Independence Day in Kyiv, the SBU's press center has reported.

While searching premises that the criminals rented near the city’s main square, SBU officers found an improvised explosive device filled with nails, screw nuts, etc.

According to a preliminary conclusion by experts, in case of explosion, the radius of destruction could have reached over 100 meters, which would have resulted in human casualties and material damage.

According to investigators, the attackers planned to carry out an explosion on August 24 in Kyiv and the suburbs during the celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day.

In addition to explosives, the officers found about 100 leaflets calling for extremist actions. The respective procedural measures are currently being taken, and a criminal case will then be opened.