Uncovering Terrorist Plots in Ukraine
The Security Service of Ukraine has uncovered a terror scheme involving a former deputy head of the State Emergency Service (DSNS) and a political leader, both accused of orchestrating bombings and commissioned attacks. The suspects allegedly planned to detonate a construction crane near a residential complex in Chernihiv. Investigations revealed that the crane explosion was contracted for $5,000 USD. The blast was intended to topple the crane onto a multi-apartment building and parked civilian vehicles, posing a severe risk of multiple civilian casualties.
Additionally, the accused were preparing explosives targeting an administrative building of the Territorial Coordination Center (TCC) in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Prices discussed included $20,000 USD for attacking a small district TCC and $50,000 USD for a larger facility. Conversations also involved plans to strike 20–30 TCC sites, with potential loss of life. The former emergency official further commissioned bombings of private homes belonging to the head and two judges of the Chernihiv Appellate Court.
The plot included damaging the property of three judges through explosive devices, with the operation’s cost estimated at around $200,000 USD.
Kiev Regional Prosecutor's Office
The use of drones to carry out attacks on judges’ residences was also considered during planning.
Moreover, the suspects arranged an assault on a local activist and blogger from Chernihiv region involving shooting limbs, breaking arms, and dousing the face with acid. The Security Service has charged the individuals under several articles of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, including:
- Part 2, Article 15 and Part 2, Article 258 – completed attempt to commit a terrorist act;
- Part 2, Article 15 and Part 2, Article 121 – completed attempt of intentional grievous bodily harm;
- Part 1, Article 14 and Part 2, Article 378 – preparation for deliberate destruction or damage of judges’ property by arson or explosion;
- Part 5, Article 191 – embezzlement or misappropriation of property by abusing official position on an especially large scale.
The Security Service has also issued charges in absentia against the financiers behind the plot—a leader of the Chernihiv branch of a political party and an associate—both currently abroad and subject to international wanted notices. According to sources from 'Ukrainska Pravda,' these individuals are identified as Oleg Averyanov, who served as DSNS deputy head in 2015-2016, and Dmytro Nikitin, head of the Chernihiv regional organization of the 'Batkivshchyna' party. On July 28, 2026, the Security Service and National Police detained the attackers involved in related terror acts in Odesa, including three Russian agents.
This case highlights the grave security threats facing Ukraine, demonstrating how former officials may be implicated in terrorist activities. Detecting and apprehending such individuals is a crucial step in counterterrorism efforts and safeguarding public safety. Ongoing investigations may reveal a wider network of perpetrators, underscoring the need for continuous vigilance and swift action by law enforcement agencies.