SBU detains minor preparing double terror attack in Poltava region for Russia
Counterintelligence agents of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have prevented new terror attacks in the Poltava region, detaining a Russian agent—a 17-year-old local lyceum student who was preparing two simultaneous explosions in Kremenchuk.
In a Telegram post on Tuesday, the SBU reported that the perpetrator planted two remote-controlled improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near a local police station.
"Initially, Russia was to detonate one of the explosives on the night of April 17 this year, and after emergency services arrived at the scene, they planned to activate the second bomb planted nearby," the report stated.
Counterintelligence officers uncovered the hostile plan and promptly neutralized the explosives at the planned attack site. The SBU detained the agent red-handed after the IEDs were planted, preventing casualties.
"As the investigation established, the enemy’s task was carried out by a 17-year-old student of a local lyceum, who came to the attention of Russia while looking for ‘easy money’ in Telegram channels," the Ukrainian intelligence service noted.
According to the SBU, after recruitment, he followed instructions from the enemy to purchase components for two explosives and assembled them himself in a rented garage. "He received money for all of this from his curator in Russia," the report specified.
The agency noted that after coordinating the attack location with the curator, the agent went there at night to plant the explosive devices without witnesses.
During searches of the detainee, remains of IED components and communication devices containing evidence of contacts with a Russian intelligence officer were seized.
SBU investigators notified the agent of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 15 and Part 1 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (attempted commission of a terrorist act). The perpetrator is in custody and faces up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.
The comprehensive measures were carried out by SBU officers in the Poltava region under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor’s office.
