The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has thwarted another alleged Russian attempt to prepare a terrorist attack in the Odessa region. As a result of a pre-emptive operation, SSU counterintelligence detained a suspected Russian agent in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district who, according to investigators, was planning to blow up an administrative building belonging to a state institution in Izmail.
Investigators said the suspect was instructed to plant an improvised explosive device near the building. The device had an explosive yield equivalent to 10 kg of TNT and was packed with metal screws and bolts.
After the device had been planted, Russian intelligence services allegedly planned to detonate it remotely during rush hour in order to cause maximum civilian casualties.
According to the SSU, the attack was intended to destabilise the socio-political situation in southern Ukraine.
SSU officers said they uncovered the plot in advance and detained the suspect as he was completing the assembly of the improvised explosive device (IED) in his apartment.
According to the investigation, the suspect is a local man with a drug addiction who was recruited by Russian intelligence services. He reportedly came to their attention in July while looking for paid work in Telegram channels.
After accepting the promise of “easy money” from Russia, the man allegedly began preparing the attack. Investigators said he received step-by-step instructions from his Russian handler on how to manufacture the IED and purchased the necessary components.
The suspect also equipped the homemade bomb with a mobile phone that would have allowed Russian operatives to detonate it remotely, according to the SSU.
SSU investigators notified the man that he was suspected of preparing a terrorist act under Part 1 of Article 14 and Part 2 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The suspect is being held in custody without the right to bail. If convicted, he faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
