Moscow
Russian security officials have arrested a 23-year-old woman in St. Petersburg for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack on instructions from Ukrainian special services, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Thursday.
According to the FSB, the woman, born in 2002, had been in regular contact with a representative from Ukraine’s special services through WhatsApp and Telegram. She reportedly wanted to move to a European Union country and offered to carry out sabotage activities as a way to leave Russia.
The FSB revealed that she had already tried to set fire to railway infrastructure and had painted pro-Ukrainian slogans and phrases in public areas in Moscow. Following these actions, she traveled to St. Petersburg to target an employee of a defense enterprise.
She allegedly planned to plant an improvised explosive device (IED) in the employee’s car, with the explosive material provided to her by her Ukrainian contact. Security officials detained her while she was reportedly attempting to place the IED in the vehicle.
A criminal case has been opened under the Russian Criminal Code, and she is now in custody. The FSB stressed that her arrest helped prevent a serious attack and further threats to national security.
This incident highlights rising tensions and accusations between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia repeatedly accusing Ukraine of trying to organize attacks within its territory. It also reflects concerns over young Russians being recruited through online networks for sabotage missions.
Russian authorities have promised a thorough investigation and strict punishment for those found guilty of planning or supporting terrorist activities against the country.