Terrorist Cell Apprehended in Kyiv
Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and National Police officers have detained two individuals responsible for orchestrating a terrorist attack in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district. The suspects detonated a van disguised as a medical evacuation vehicle, which was purportedly destined for the front lines to rescue wounded soldiers. Both detainees have been formally charged under Part 1 of Article 258 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. This incident highlights the persistent threat of sabotage operations within Ukrainian cities, even far from active combat zones.
The vehicle used in the plot was a Peugeot Partner. One of the suspects, a 41-year-old war veteran, purchased and outfitted the van with stretchers and oxygen tanks. He received $2,300 for his role in the operation. The detonation occurred prematurely, preventing any casualties. The second detainee is a 29-year-old Kyiv resident. A third individual, a 47-year-old foreign national and former military serviceman with deserter status, is also implicated.
Raids and Evidence Uncovered
Authorities conducted raids with the support of the special forces unit KORD. During these operations, investigators seized critical evidence, including:
- Instructions for manufacturing explosive devices
- Pyrotechnic materials
- Proof of collaboration with hostile intelligence services
Correspondence from one suspect contained reports to a Russian handler, confirming the organized nature of the terrorist activity.
The two detained suspects face up to ten years of imprisonment with property confiscation. The SBU and National Police have previously prevented a series of attacks in northern Ukraine, arresting two Russian agents who were constructing bombs for use in crowded areas of Kyiv and Zhytomyr. One was a contract service member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the other was her friend. Both were part of an extensive FSB intelligence network. In December 2025, law enforcement also detained three members of this group connected to a terrorist attack in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district.
The apprehension of these individuals underscores the ongoing threat of terrorist acts in Ukraine, particularly amid the ongoing war with Russia.
Ukrainian authorities continue active measures to identify and neutralize threats posed by enemy agents and terrorist groups. This case also illustrates the complex reality where veterans, facing difficult post-service transitions, can be drawn into criminal activities that endanger both their reputation and public safety.