The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has prevented a terrorist attack in Kharkiv by detaining an FSB agent who attempted to install a tripwire with an F-1 hand grenade in a city park. The information was reported by Vladyslav Abdula, spokesperson for the SBU Office in Kharkiv Region.
According to the investigation, the 62-year-old Kharkiv resident was recruited by Russian intelligence through his wife, who lives in Moscow and works for the FSB. The perpetrator received coordinates of a cache containing explosives, purchased a fishing line for the tripwire, and planned to detonate the grenade in a crowded area to cause panic among city residents.
SBU counter-intelligence officers detained the agent “red-handed” while he was setting up the explosive device. Investigators found that he had also been ordered to assemble an improvised explosive device and plant it in central Kharkiv.
During searches at his residence, officers seized a mobile phone used to prepare the explosive, a radio, a smartphone, and a tablet containing evidence of his communication with the enemy. The detainee has been notified of suspicion under Articles 111-2 (high treason under martial law) and 14-1, 258-2 (preparation for a terrorist act by prior conspiracy). He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.