SBU says it foiled FSB-linked terror plot in Kyiv and Zhytomyr
A series of terrorist attacks was prevented in Kyiv and Zhytomyr (Photo: SBU)
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), working jointly with the National Police, said it had dismantled an FSB-linked agent network that was preparing terrorist attacks in Kyiv and Zhytomyr. Two suspects were detained while assembling explosive devices, the SBU reported on Telegram on Feb. 13.
According to the SBU, the detainees — two Russian women — were manufacturing improvised explosive devices intended for use in crowded public areas.
Investigators identified the suspects as a 24-year-old contract servicemember of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and her 25-year-old friend. In December 2025, three other members of the same group were detained after carrying out a terrorist attack in Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district, the agency said.
The SBU said the two women were recruited through a Telegram channel offering “easy money.” After being recruited, they allegedly received funds from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) to rent an apartment in Zhytomyr.
The suspects set up a makeshift bomb-making laboratory inside the rented apartment, following instructions provided by Russian handlers, according to the SBU. They purchased components for the explosive devices in stores and at local markets, frequently changing clothes to avoid detection, the agency added.
The women were reportedly awaiting coordinates from the FSB for the planned bomb placements when Ukrainian authorities uncovered the plot. The SBU said it documented their activities and detained them while they were assembling their first explosive device.
Searches of the premises resulted in the seizure of bomb components and smartphones containing evidence of communication with Russian operatives, the agency said.
Investigators have formally charged the suspects under Part 1 of Article 14 and Part 2 of Article 258 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code — preparation for a terrorist act committed by a group in prior conspiracy. If convicted, they face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
