SBU detains Russian agent who planned bombing at hotel in Rivne

According to the SBU, the suspect, acting on orders from a Russian intelligence agency, had placed an improvised explosive device in one of the rooms of the hotel complex, Ukrinform reports.

To record the explosion, the woman installed a mini camera in the room with remote access capabilities for Russian handlers.

The enemy planned to detonate the device remotely by calling a phone integrated into the explosive mechanism.

SBU counterintelligence operatives apprehended the agent as she was hastily leaving the hotel. The explosive device was safely defused by SBU specialists.

The investigation revealed that the attempted terrorist attack was being prepared by a 49-year-old local resident who had been recruited by the Russians through a dating website.

After recruitment, she was provided with the coordinates of secret caches, from which she retrieved the ready-made explosive device and a key to the hotel room, which had been booked in advance under a fake identity.

Following instructions from her Russian handler, the operative also purchased materials at local hardware markets to assemble a second explosive device for future attacks.

During a search of the suspect's residence, authorities discovered a mobile phone containing evidence of her collaboration with Russian intelligence, along with components for another explosive device.

SBU investigators have charged the suspect under Part 2 of Article 15 and Part 2 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (attempted terrorist attack committed by a group of persons in prior conspiracy).

The woman remains in custody. She faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.