The Security Service of Ukraine has successfully prevented yet another terrorist attack planned by Russian operatives in Zaporizhzhia. As a result of proactive measures, a Russian agent was detained who intended to plant a homemade explosive device (IED) in a crowded area of the city.
Investigations revealed that the suspect aimed to detonate the explosives during peak hours to maximize damage among civilians.
SBU operatives timely uncovered the hostile intentions and apprehended the agent while he was preparing the explosives for the attack.
The investigation established that the suspect was a 37-year-old serviceman who had deserted from his unit in the frontline town of Myrnohrad and was hiding in Kyiv.
While in hiding, he sought “easy money” via Telegram channels, which led him into the sights of Russian intelligence agents.
After being recruited, the perpetrator received a “test” assignment from his handler: to track the coordinates of checkpoints and the locations of the Ukrainian defense forces in the capital.
Later, he was dispatched to Zaporizhzhia, where he rented accommodation and purchased components to manufacture the IED.
During searches of his residence, components for explosives and a mini-camera were discovered, which he intended to set up near the planned attack site to record the aftermath.

Based on the collected evidence, SBU investigators charged the agent with several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

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

The perpetrator remains in custody without the right to bail. He faces life imprisonment with property confiscation.
Comprehensive measures were conducted by SBU officers in the Zaporizhzhia region under the procedural guidance of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office.