Ukrainian counterintelligence prevented a new attempt by Russian forces to carry out a large-scale sabotage in Kropyvnytskyi. Acting preemptively, the SSU detained an FSB agent who was preparing to blow up a key electrical substation in the regional center.
The suspect was caught “in the act” during curfew while retrieving a homemade bomb from a hideout at the city’s entrance. The device contained 300 grams of plastid and a mobile phone for remote detonation.
Investigations revealed that the agent planned to transport the bomb by taxi to the target site near transformer units, aiming to destroy a critical energy hub supplying most strategic and social facilities in the city.
The operation was carried out with the help of a local unemployed man recruited by the Russian forces, who had been lured through Telegram channels promising “easy earnings.” He received the bomb’s coordinates and the sabotage location from Russian operatives.
During a search, the SSU seized the explosives and a smartphone containing evidence of collaboration with the Russian forces.
The agent has been charged under Part 2, Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (treason committed under martial law). Additional charges for preparing sabotage are being considered.
He is held in custody without bail, facing life imprisonment with property confiscation.
