SBU Detains FSB Agent Who Supplied 12 kg of Explosives for Terrorist Attacks in Kharkiv

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained an agent of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) who had supplied 12 kilograms of explosives for organizing terrorist attacks in Kharkiv. According to the SBU, the suspect received instructions from Russia on how to manufacture two improvised explosive devices using the explosives and mobile phones for remote detonation.

The completed bombs were to be placed in the center of Kharkiv, and the agent was to report back to his FSB handler. Russian intelligence officers planned to detonate the devices during rush hour, when many civilians would be on the streets.

SBU officers foiled the plot and arrested the agent this month in a rented apartment while he was on a video call with a Russian intelligence officer receiving instructions on making the bombs. The suspect is an unemployed resident of the Kirovohrad region who came to the attention of Russian intelligence while searching for quick money-making opportunities on Telegram channels.

After recruitment, the agent was sent to Kharkiv, where he rented an apartment and purchased components for the explosives. During a search, SBU officers found more than 12 kilograms of explosives, additional components for improvised devices, and mobile phones used for secret communication with the FSB.

The suspect has been charged with preparing a terrorist act by prior conspiracy, and further charges are expected for illegal manufacture and use of explosives. He is in custody without the possibility of bail and faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.