The SSU Counterintelligence and the National Police have thwarted a new terrorist attack in Kharkiv. As a result of pre-emptive actions, a teenager – agent of russia’s military intelligence (‘the GRU’) – has been detained. He was preparing an explosion in Kharkiv’s centre.

The investigation established that the 16-year-old suspect had assembled an improvised explosive device, which he was to plant in an apartment in a multi-storey building.

The occupiers then planned to make a hoax call to the police line to lure a police patrol to the site and blow up the officers.

The Security Service uncovered russia’s plan at an early stage and detained the agent in a hotel room where he was finishing to make IED.

The GRU recruited the asset from Odesa when he was seeking ‘easy money’ on Telegram.

The perpetrator arrived in Kharkiv, where he received the coordinates of a cache from his handler. From there, he obtained 4 kg of explosives, a mobile phone, and other components for the IED.

The agent then took the ‘package’ to a hotel room to assemble the bomb according to the GRU’s instructions.

Once ready, he was to receive the location of the apartment and keys in order to install the bomb and the mobile phone with remote access for the ruscists.

The IED and his smartphone with evidence of working for the enemy were seized from the suspect.

Based on the evidence collected, Security Service investigators notified the detainee of suspicion under Articles 14.1 and 258.2 of the CCU (preparation for a terrorist act, committed by a group, upon prior conspiracy).

The suspect faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Kharkiv region and the National Police under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.