The counterintelligence of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported that it had detained a 20-year-old resident of Kiev in Nikolaev, who, on instructions from Russian services, was preparing a homemade explosive device intended for an attack on Ukrainian servicemen, Ukrinform reported, BTA reported.
The man was arrested in an apartment he rented while assembling the bomb. The investigation found that he was recruited by the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB), looking for "easy money" on the "Telegram" application. A Russian citizen showed him in a video call how to make an explosive device from improvised materials.
According to Ukrainian counterintelligence, the perpetrator was sent to Nikolaev with funds provided by the FSB. There, he rented an apartment and began assembling the bomb, which was to be activated remotely via a mobile phone. The bomb was to be placed under a service vehicle used by Ukrainian servicemen and detonated as soon as they approached the vehicle.
During a search of the apartment, law enforcement officers seized elements of the explosive device and a smartphone with evidence of coordination with the FSB. The suspect has been charged with preparing a terrorist act. He is being held without bail and could face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.