Kharkiv man to stand trial for alleged terrorist plot linked to Russia

The suspect established contact with a representative of Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, via Telegram in the fall of 2025 and agreed to carry out assigned tasks, the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office said.

He initially collected and transmitted intelligence, including the locations of Ukrainian Defense Forces personnel in the city and surrounding area, prosecutors said.

The suspect later received instructions to help carry out a terrorist attack by assembling an improvised explosive device and placing it at a designated location in Kharkiv, prosecutors said.

He purchased the necessary components and began assembling the device at home following detailed instructions from the Russian handler, prosecutors said.

Law enforcement officers seized the unfinished explosive device, its components, and a phone containing evidence during a search, preventing the attack from being carried out, prosecutors said.

Authorities detained the suspect in October 2025 and placed him in custody, prosecutors said.

Investigators also found that the man had participated in the so-called “Anti-Maidan” movement in 2014 and had previously faced criminal charges related to attempts to seize the Kharkiv Regional State Administration building, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors have referred the case to court on multiple charges, including high treason under martial law, illegal manufacture and possession of explosives, and preparation of a terrorist act.

The pretrial investigation and operational support were conducted by Ukraine’s Security Service, the Security Service of Ukraine, prosecutors said.