SBU Detains FSB Agents Accused of Plotting to Poison Ukrainian Soldiers at ‘Charity’ Party

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) said it had foiled a Russian plot to kill dozens of Ukrainian soldiers by luring them to a fake “charity” event in the Kharkiv region, where agents planned to poison their drinks and carry out a bombing attack.

The SBU’s military counterintelligence detained two alleged FSB agents accused of preparing the attack, the agency said on Monday.

According to investigators, the suspects were recruited by Russian intelligence through Telegram channels offering “easy money” jobs. They initially carried out reconnaissance tasks, including photographing locations and setting fire to a Ukrainian military vehicle.

The agents were later instructed to organize a “themed” charity gathering aimed at Ukrainian service members. They rented a house outside the city and promoted the event through local Telegram channels, the SBU said.

Russian handlers allegedly planned for the agents to add toxic substances to drinks during the party, which could have caused fatal consequences.

Several dozen people agreed to attend the event, most of them members of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, according to the investigation.

The suspects were also allegedly ordered to build a powerful explosive device containing 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of explosives.

SBU officers arrested one suspect while he was carrying a homemade explosive device in his backpack. The second suspect, a woman from the Kharkiv Oblast, was detained at a rented house where she was allegedly preparing components for the bomb.

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During searches, investigators seized explosive device components and phones containing evidence of communication with Russian handlers, including instructions for other sabotage missions.

The suspects were charged with preparing a terrorist attack and illegal handling of weapons, ammunition, or explosives. They were remanded in custody without bail and face life imprisonment if convicted.