The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police thwarted another attempt by the FSB to carry out a terrorist attack in Ukraine. As a result of a special operation in Odessa, a Russian agent was detained who was preparing to plant a homemade explosive device (HED) in the southern region.
The investigation revealed that the terrorist was a 20-year-old drug addict from the Odessa region, recruited by the FSB via a Telegram channel offering 'easy' money.
Under the instructions of the Russian intelligence officer, the agent purchased components to manually assemble the HED and disguise it as a fire extinguisher.
The suspect was to leave the explosive at an address where the Russian forces were waiting. Afterward, the Russian forces planned to detonate the HED using a phone call connected to the device.
Before carrying out the terrorist act, the Russian handler tasked the agent with a 'test' assignment: setting fire to battery and relay cabinets on a strategic railway route in the Odesa region.
SSU and National Police officers uncovered the criminal in advance, fully documented his subversive activities, and arrested him at his residence as he tried to dispose of evidence.
During the search, components for making the HED were seized, including chemical ingredients and a fire extinguisher with a mobile phone.
The criminal is in custody. He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The special operation was carried out by the SSU officers in the Odessa region, in cooperation with the National Police and under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's office.
