Ukraine’s Security Service counterintelligence has detained a minor Russian intelligence agent who, from within the EU, was recruiting operatives in Ukraine for planned terrorist attacks.
Most of the recruits were teenagers seeking “easy money.”
The suspect was apprehended at Ukraine’s western border, transferred there by Polish law enforcement under forced return procedures.
Investigations revealed that the 16-year-old from Kharkiv had moved to the EU in autumn 2024. While there, he sought “easy income” via Telegram channels and came under the attention of Russian intelligence. After recruitment, he was tasked with identifying potential perpetrators of targeted attacks in Ukraine and connecting them directly with Russian operatives for instructions.
Two recruits, both 15-year-olds from Kharkiv, carried out explosions near police stations in the Slobidskyi and Kholodnogirskyi districts in December 2024. One retrieved an improvised explosive device (IED) from a stash, while the other built another IED filled with metal nuts, placing them at the intended targets. The pair were apprehended immediately after Russian operatives remotely activated the devices.
Additionally, the minor agent enlisted a 21-year-old acquaintance from frontline Konstantinivka to conduct another bombing. She arrived in Odessa earlier this year, rented an apartment to assemble a plastic explosive device, and planted it near a military-civilian administrative building. Authorities intercepted her “in the act,” preventing the attack.
Based on collected evidence, Ukrainian investigators charged the returned Russian agent under Part 5, Article 27, and Part 2, Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (assistance in committing terrorist acts by prior conspiracy).
The suspect is in custody and faces up to 12 years in prison with property confiscation.
