Foreign National Arrested for Kyiv Terror Plot
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has apprehended a foreign national who was preparing a double terrorist attack in Kyiv on orders from the Russian Federation. The arrest was made at the suspect's residence in the Ukrainian capital, where he had been living for an extended period. During a search of the premises, authorities seized:
- explosives;
- an improvised explosive device (IED);
- components for manufacturing IEDs;
- a mobile phone containing evidence of collaboration with Russian operatives;
- combat grenades.
Attack Plans and Recruitment Methods
The suspect, a laborer from the South Caucasus region, planned to carry out an attack using two explosive devices. The first was intended to be planted under the car of a Ukrainian soldier, with the second device timed to detonate after emergency services arrived on the scene. According to the SBU, he was captured while equipping a homemade bomb with mobile phones for remote detonation.
Russian intelligence agents recruited the individual remotely through Telegram channels. He received bomb-making instructions from Russian special services operatives and ordered components for the improvised explosive devices through online websites. After synthesizing the chemical components, the explosive device was concealed inside a food container.
The suspect has been formally charged under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 258 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. Authorities are also considering additional charges for illegal handling of ammunition and manufacturing explosive devices. He faces a potential sentence of up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
This incident highlights the persistent threat of terrorist attacks in Ukraine, particularly amid Russia's ongoing aggression. The case demonstrates how modern communication tools are being exploited for cross-border terrorism, presenting new challenges for security services. The SBU continues its active efforts to counter such threats through monitoring and neutralizing potential terrorist activities within the country.