Ukraine’s SBU foils terrorist plot in Zaporizhzhia, detains deserter working for Russian intelligence
Ukraine's security services prevent attempted terrorist attack (Photo: SBU / Telegram)
Ukraine’s Security Service foiled a terrorist attack allegedly planned by Russian intelligence in Zaporizhzhya, detaining a deserter and Russian agent who intended to plant an improvised explosive device in a crowded area, the agency reported on Oct. 13.
The investigation found that the suspect was supposed to plant explosives in central Zaporizhzhya and detonate them remotely during rush hour, then report the completed task to his handler in Russia.
According to law enforcement, the suspect is a 37-year-old mobilized soldier from Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast who deserted his military unit and hid in Kyiv. In the capital, he was looking for “easy money” through Telegram channels and came to the attention of Russian intelligence services.
After being recruited, the man was given a test assignment to gather information about checkpoints and the positions of Ukrainian units. He was later sent to Zaporizhzhya to prepare for the terrorist attack.
During a search of his apartment, law enforcement officers found components for making an explosive device and a small camera the man intended to install near the blast site to record the aftermath.
The suspect has been charged under several articles of Ukraine’s Criminal Code:
Part 2, Article 111 — high treason under martial law;
Part 4, Article 408 — desertion;
Part 2, Article 15, Part 1, Article 263 — illegal handling of explosives;
Part 2, Article 263-1 — illegal manufacturing of explosive devices.
The suspect is currently in custody without bail. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
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