Ukrainian Security Service Detains Russian Agents for Car Bombing

Russian Agents Apprehended

According to ХВИЛЯ: The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained two Russian agents who carried out a terrorist attack in Kyiv on February 11. The perpetrators detonated a mined vehicle near an SBU building. The suspects are a 47-year-old deserter from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who fled his post in the Sumy region, and a 29-year-old Kyiv resident. They face up to 12 years in prison. This incident highlights the persistent threat of sabotage operations within Ukraine's cities.

Details of the Terrorist Plot

According to the SBU press center, the deserter hid in western Ukraine after fleeing. While preparing the attack, he posed as an employee of a Ukrainian security agency. The 29-year-old Kyiv resident was tasked with building a remote-controlled improvised explosive device. The agents purchased a used van and disguised it as a resuscitation vehicle, filling it with gas and oxygen cylinders to amplify the blast.

The van was also equipped with a webcam, allowing Russian handlers to monitor the scene in real time. After planting the explosives, the perpetrators left the location, and Russian agents remotely detonated the vehicle. Law enforcement detained both individuals within 24 hours, seizing components for new bombs during searches. The detainees have been notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (terrorist act), which carries a penalty of up to 12 years' imprisonment with property confiscation.

This case underscores the ongoing threat of terrorist acts in Ukraine, particularly from Russian special services. The SBU's successful operation demonstrates the continued vigilance of Ukrainian law enforcement in preventing attacks and combating terrorism, a critical task amid the ongoing war. The situation remains a serious concern for the public and necessitates heightened security measures across the country.