In Izmail, the SBU exposed a Russian agent who was planning to blow up a military vehicle

The Security Service of Ukraine prevented a series of terrorist attacks in Izmail, Odesa Oblast. Counterintelligence officers detained a 27-year-old woman from Zhytomyr Oblast who, according to the investigation, was working for Russian intelligence services and was planning to blow up Defense Forces vehicles near military and law enforcement administrative buildings.

This was reported by the Security Service of Ukraine.

According to the case file, the woman came to the attention of Russian intelligence officers through Telegram channels, where she was looking for opportunities to make “easy money.” It was there that representatives of the enemy contacted her and offered her tasks to carry out on behalf of Russia.

After being recruited, the suspect traveled to Izmail. She rented an apartment where, following instructions from her Russian handlers, she began manufacturing homemade explosive devices.

As law enforcement officials established, the agent was supposed to manufacture a total of three improvised explosive devices (IEDs). To activate them remotely, she equipped the explosives with cell phones and electric detonators.

To increase the explosive devices’ destructive power, the woman also filled them with metal nuts.

While preparing the explosives, the agent carried out another task assigned by her Russian handlers—conducting reconnaissance near military and law enforcement facilities in Izmail.

In particular, she took photographs and videos of Defense Forces vehicles parked near administrative buildings. The information gathered was intended to help the Russian side identify potential targets for future attacks.

Thus, according to the plan devised by Russian intelligence agencies, the explosions were to occur near Ukrainian military and law enforcement facilities and target vehicles belonging to the Defense Forces.

However, the enemy failed to carry out its plan. Counterintelligence officers and SBU investigators uncovered the agent’s activities and detained her before the planned terrorist attacks could be carried out.

Investigative and operational measures are currently underway. Law enforcement officials are establishing all the circumstances surrounding the detainee’s activities and verifying information regarding other individuals who may have been involved in preparing the terrorist attacks.

According to the SBU, the suspect may face criminal charges for treason and terrorist activities. The final legal classification of the charges and the punishment will depend on the circumstances of the case as established by the investigation.

Андрій Колісніченко