The Counterintelligence Department of the Security Service of Ukraine has foiled a new attempt by russia to carry out a terrorist attack in the Odesa region. Following pre-emptive operations in the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district, an enemy agent has been arrested: he was planning to blow up the administrative building of a state institution in Izmail.

The investigation revealed that the suspect was to plant a bomb near the target, with a power equivalent to 10 kg of TNT and ‘reinforced’ with metal screws and bolts.

Once the explosive device had been planted, the russian intelligence services planned to detonate it remotely during rush hour to cause maximum casualties among the civilian population.

In this way, russia hoped to destabilise the socio-political situation in the southern region of Ukraine.

The SSU foiled the plot in time and detained russia’s accomplice as he was finishing assembling the explosive device at his flat.

The perpetrator is a local drug addict recruited by the russian intelligence. He came to their attention in July this year whilst looking for work on Telegram channels.

Having agreed to the promise of ‘easy’ money from russia, the man began preparing the terrorist attack. To this end, he received step-by-step instructions from his russian handler on how to make the bomb and purchased the necessary components.

To detonate the device remotely, he rigged the IED with a mobile phone that allowed remote access for the ruscists.

SSU investigators have notified him of his status as a suspect under Articles 14.1, 258.2 of the CCU (preparation for a terrorist act).

The suspect is in custody without bail and faces up to 12 years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in the Odesa region, coordinated by the SSU Counterintelligence Department and under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.