SBU Detains FSB Agent Planning Terrorist Attack in Khmelnytskyi

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on Thursday, April 9, released information regarding the arrest of an agent from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) who was planning to carry out a terrorist attack in the city of Khmelnytskyi. The assailant had intentions to deploy homemade explosives in an area where Ukrainian military personnel congregated, posing a significant threat to life and safety.

According to the investigation, the suspect had devised a plan to lure police to the site of the explosives by making an anonymous call to emergency services at number 102. This tactic was designed to increase the potential number of victims, as the device was intended to be detonated remotely at the precise moment law enforcement arrived on the scene.

The SBU indicated that their operatives uncovered this plot in advance and apprehended the man while he was conducting reconnaissance at the location where he intended to plant the explosives. It was revealed that the perpetrator was a local resident struggling with drug addiction. Russian intelligence services had recruited him through Telegram channels while he was seeking money to fund his drug habit.

After his recruitment, this individual received detailed instructions on how to construct a homemade explosive device. He also surveyed the city, documenting areas with the highest concentrations of Ukrainian military personnel. The SBU emphasized that the suspect marked coordinates on maps, took photographs of potential targets, and selected locations for the placement of explosives, relaying all gathered information to his handlers.

During searches of the detained individual’s premises, authorities seized a ready-to-use explosive device, as well as a mobile phone containing evidence of his collaboration with enemy forces. Based on these findings, he was charged under part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which addresses treason committed under conditions of martial law.

Currently, the detainee is being held in custody without the possibility of bail. He faces a potential life sentence with confiscation of property, underscoring the gravity of the crime he was planning to commit.

This incident further highlights the dangers that Ukraine faces amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The Security Service of Ukraine continues to actively work on preventing terrorist acts and identifying agents of hostile intelligence services operating within the country.