Russian National Arrested in Ivano-Frankivsk Region for Manufacturing Explosives to Attack Law Enforcement

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police of Ukraine conducted a successful operation in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, resulting in the arrest of a 59-year-old Russian citizen. This individual manufactured explosives and attempted to detonate them against law enforcement officers, which has caused significant alarm among local residents and law enforcement agencies.

According to police information, the arrested man is originally from the Cherkasy region but was residing in the Ivano-Frankivsk community at the time of his arrest and held Russian citizenship. It is known that he maintained contacts with the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB), raising suspicions regarding his activities.

Data from the SBU indicates that during the first year of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this man fled to the occupied part of the Zaporizhzhia region. In 2025, he returned to Prykarpattia, where he continued his activities that attracted the attention of law enforcement.

The investigation revealed that the arrested individual previously worked as an engineer in the oil and gas sector in temporarily occupied territories. Following the onset of the war, he frequently visited these territories, which led him to come under the scrutiny of Russian special services.

During a search of his residence, law enforcement officers discovered a tripwire explosive device that had already been armed. This explosive was placed in front of the entrance door of his home, with the hope that it would detonate when law enforcement officers entered the premises.

Experts who examined the explosive device concluded that it belonged to the category of explosives of increased danger. The perpetrator independently drew up a schematic of the explosive device, manufactured it, and prepared it for use. To enhance its lethality, he filled the device with self-tapping screws.

Additionally, during the search, law enforcement officers seized hand-drawn schematics of the explosive device, a sapper tester for controlling the detonation of explosives electrically, as well as mobile phones containing maps of Russian mobile operators. This evidence indicates his close ties to Russia and possible preparations for terrorist acts.

The perpetrator was arrested and charged under Part 1 of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertains to illegal handling of weapons, military supplies, or explosive substances. The court has chosen to impose a preventive measure of detention, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the potential risk to society.

This situation underscores the importance of law enforcement efforts in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of citizens in wartime conditions. The arrest of such a dangerous criminal is a significant step in preventing potential terrorist attacks and protecting the population.