The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported the thwarting of a planned terrorist attack in Kropyvnytskyi, where a suspected agent of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) was apprehended. The individual was allegedly preparing to assassinate a government official responsible for defense preparations in the Kirovohrad region.
According to the SBU’s investigation, the suspect was tracking the official with the intent to detonate a homemade bomb near a local café. The agent was caught in the act after conducting reconnaissance at the planned attack site and subsequently reporting to his FSB handler about the operation’s readiness.
The arrested individual, a 27-year-old who had been mobilized but deserted his military unit, had been hiding in Kirovohrad. He reportedly came to the attention of an FSB operative through social media channels. Under the direction of this operative, he began surveillance of the regional official, aiming to identify the optimal time and location for the attack.
The agent studied the daily routine of his target, noting key locations and movement patterns throughout the city. After several days of reconnaissance, he sent the coordinates of the café where the official frequented to the FSB.
Further instructions from the Russian operatives were expected to include details on constructing an improvised explosive device (IED) for the planned attack.
During the search of the suspect’s belongings, SBU officials seized a smartphone containing evidence of his collaboration with enemy forces. He has since been charged under Article 111, Part 2 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which pertains to treason committed during a state of war.
The suspect is currently in custody without the option for bail, facing a potential life sentence along with asset confiscation.
The SBU has successfully intercepted a planned assassination of a defense official in Kropyvnytskyi, apprehending a suspected FSB agent. The individual, a deserter from the Ukrainian military, was preparing to use a homemade bomb in the attack.