Ukrainian counterintelligence thwarted a terrorist plot in Kharkiv, arresting an FSB agent who was manufacturing explosives. The SBU seized over 12 kg of explosive materials and detained the suspect.
Counterintelligence of the SBU prevented a series of terrorist attacks in Kharkiv and detained a FSB agent who was preparing explosions in the regional center. This was reported to the “Dumna” publication by the spokesman of the SBU Department in the Kharkiv region, Vladislav Abdula. According to him, the suspect received a task from Russian curators to manufacture two improvised explosive devices. To do this, he was supposed to independently make more than 12 kilograms of explosive material and equip the bombs with mobile phones for remote detonation. After manufacturing the explosives, the man intended to place it in the central part of Kharkiv and inform representatives of the FSB about it. According to the Russian special services, the explosions were supposed to occur during the peak hour in areas with the largest concentration of civilians. Employees of the SBU uncovered the plan in advance and detained the agent in June 2026 in a rented apartment. At the time of detention, he was on video communication with a representative of the Russian special services, who was instructing him on the manufacture of improvised explosive devices. According to law enforcement officers, the detainee is a unemployed resident of the Kirovograd region. The Russians recruited him after he was looking for quick earnings through Telegram channels. After this, the man was sent to Kharkiv, where he rented accommodation and purchased the necessary components for manufacturing explosives. During the search, law enforcement officers seized more than 12 kg of explosive materials, components for improvised explosive devices, and mobile phones used for conspiring contacts with the FSB. The suspect was informed about the suspicion of facts of preparing to commit a terrorist act by a group of persons. Currently, he is in custody without the right to bail. For the committed crime, the man faces up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.