According to the SBU, the woman placed an improvised explosive device (IED) in one of the hotel rooms on the orders of Russian special services.
Investigators said the suspect had installed a miniature surveillance camera in the room that allowed Russian operatives to remotely observe the detonation. The plan was to activate the IED remotely by calling a phone attached to the explosive device.
However, the SBU said the woman was caught “in the act” as she was hurriedly leaving the hotel. Ukrainian security officers also safely disarmed the device.
The investigation revealed that the 49-year-old local had been recruited by Russian agents via a dating website. She was later given the coordinates of weapons caches where she collected the pre-assembled IED and a key to the hotel room.
Following instructions from her handler, the woman also bought household items at local markets to build a second explosive device for future attacks.
During a search of her home, the SBU found a phone containing evidence of her cooperation with Russia, along with components for a second bomb.
SBU investigators have charged the suspect under Part 2 of Article 15 and Part 2 of Article 258 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code—attempted terrorist act committed by a group of persons in prior conspiracy.
She is currently in custody and faces up to 12 years in prison.