Ukrainian security forces have arrested three suspected Russian agents who were allegedly on their way to plant bombs at the homes of Ukrainian soldiers in Odesa, according to Ukraine's SBU security service. The suspects were reportedly planning a series of terror attacks with explosive devices, targeting servicemen and their families in order to cause panic among civilians.
SBU intercepts FSB-linked assassination plot in Odesa
The SBU announced on 30 January that it had neutralized an FSB-run sabotage network operating in central Odesa. The suspects, allegedly recruited by Russia’s Federal Security Service, had planned to assassinate Ukrainian soldiers using remotely activated homemade bombs. The primary targets, according to the SBU’s Department of Internal Security and Investigation, were SBU special forces and Armed Forces personnel serving on Ukraine’s southern front.
The suspects allegedly spent a considerable amount of time tracking the homes and vehicle parking spots of their targets. They then reportedly received GPS coordinates from the FSB for a cache, from which they retrieved two homemade explosive devices. These were reportedly intended to be planted at the entrances of apartments belonging to two Defense Forces servicemen.
After that, they were allegedly supposed to collect additional devices to bomb the vehicles of other selected targets.
However, the SBU says it preemptively moved in, arresting the suspects as they transported the explosive devices toward the soldiers’ residences.
Local collaborators allegedly worked for FSB handlers
The SBU identified the three detainees as Ukrainian nationals: a 36-year-old military draft dodger and two accomplices—one a military deserter, the other affiliated with a civil organization responsible for public order. During their arrest, officers reportedly seized the explosive devices and smartphones the group allegedly used to communicate with their Russian FSB handler.
According to the case materials, the suspects have been charged with high treason under wartime conditions, classified as Part 2 of Article 111 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code. If convicted, they face life imprisonment with confiscation of property. They have been remanded in custody without the possibility of bail.
