Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) said on Thursday it has prevented a planned series of terrorist attacks in Kharkiv and detained an alleged Russian FSB agent who was preparing explosive devices in the frontline city.
According to the SBU, counterintelligence officers carried out a pre-emptive operation in Kharkiv region in June 2026, detaining a suspect accused of producing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) intended for use in crowded urban areas.
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Investigators say the man had received instructions from Russian handlers to manufacture two explosive devices using around 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of explosive material. The devices were allegedly to be fitted with mobile phones for remote detonation.
The SBU said the suspect planned to place the explosives in central Kharkiv and report their location to his FSB supervisor, after which they were intended to be detonated during peak hours when civilians were most likely to be present.
Security service officers said they uncovered the plot in advance and detained the suspect “in the act” inside a rented apartment, where he was allegedly on a video call with a Russian intelligence officer receiving instructions on assembling the devices.
According to the investigation, the suspect is a unemployed resident of the Kirovohrad region who was recruited through Telegram channels while searching for “easy earnings.”
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He was later sent to Kharkiv, where he rented housing and purchased materials needed for the explosives, the SBU said.
During searches, authorities reportedly seized more than 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of explosive substances, components for IEDs, and multiple mobile phones allegedly used to conceal communications with Russian handlers.
The suspect has been charged under preparation for a terrorist act committed by a group under prior conspiracy. Additional charges related to the illegal manufacture and handling of explosives are expected following forensic examinations.
He is currently in custody without the possibility of bail and faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property if convicted.
The operation was conducted by SBU officers in Kharkiv region under the procedural supervision of the regional prosecutor’s office.
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