A Mykolaiv resident was remanded in custody for planning a terrorist attack

In Mykolaiv, a man was suspected of having contacts with a representative of the Russian Federation and of planning a terrorist act. Investigators believe he was setting up Starlink terminals that were later to be used by the Russian military. 

The Center for Public Investigations examined the details of the case.

According to investigators, in May 2026, the man made contact via Telegram with a representative of the aggressor state, who used the pseudonym “Kochegar.” He allegedly agreed to carry out the representative’s tasks, specifically registering Starlink terminals. To do this, the man enlisted the help of other people who, according to investigators, were unaware of the true purpose of registering the devices.

According to the case file, the man registered Starlink devices three times at a Ukrposhta branch in Mykolaiv, after which he sent confirmation of the completed tasks to the Russian representative.

Separately, law enforcement officials charged him with planning a terrorist attack. Investigators believe that in May, he left a bag containing a homemade explosive device under a Mercedes Vito on 1st Slobidska Street. According to the investigation, this was intended to cause an explosion, damage the vehicle, and injure people. The man was unable to carry out his plan because he was detained by officers of the Security Service of Ukraine. 

During a search, his phones and the bag containing the explosive device were seized. 

In August, law enforcement arrested a spy for plotting to kill a soldier in Kyiv. In Mykolaiv, during a search of a rented apartment, authorities seized weapons, ammunition, a copy of “Mein Kampf,” and a Nazi flag. 

Анна Літман