The Security Service of Ukraine successfully thwarted a planned terrorist attack by Russian operatives in Zaporizhzhia. As a result of proactive measures, a Russian agent was arrested who was preparing to detonate a homemade explosive device in a crowded area.
Investigations revealed that the suspect intended to plant explosives in a location frequented by people and report back to his Russian handlers.
The occupiers planned to remotely trigger the explosives during peak hours when there would be a large concentration of local residents.
The SBU uncovered these hostile intentions in time and apprehended the agent while he was preparing the explosives for the attack.
According to the case materials, the suspect was a 37-year-old mobilized individual from frontline Myrnohrad in Donetsk who had deserted his military unit and was hiding in Kyiv.
While in a state of desertion, he sought “easy earnings” through Telegram channels and came to the attention of Russian intelligence.
After being recruited, the criminal received a “verification” task from his handler: to track the coordinates of checkpoints and locations of defensive forces in the capital of Ukraine.
Later, the occupiers sent him to Zaporizhzhia, where he rented an apartment and purchased components for making explosives.
During searches of his residence, components for explosives and a mini-camera intended to document the aftermath of the planned attack were found.

Based on the collected evidence, SBU investigators informed the agent of suspicions under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

•  Part 2 of Article 111 (state treason committed in wartime);
•  Part 4 of Article 408 (desertion committed in wartime);
•  Part 2 of Article 15, Part 1 of Article 263 (illegal handling of explosives);
•  Part 2 of Article 263-1 (illegal production of explosives or explosive devices).

The criminal remains in custody without the right to bail. He faces life imprisonment with asset confiscation.
The operations were carried out by the SBU in the Zaporizhzhia region under the procedural guidance of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Defense in the Eastern Region.