SBU detains 17-year-old Russian agent plotting terror attacks in crowded areas of Kharkiv
According to Ukrinform, the SBU reported that counterintelligence officers, together with the SBU's military counterintelligence unit, acted preemptively to expose the minor who was planning a series of explosions in crowded areas of Kharkiv.
SBU officers apprehended the suspect during curfew as she was retrieving an improvised explosive device from a cache concealed near garbage containers.
Investigators established that the suspect intended to transport the explosive device by taxi to the city center and hide it for remote detonation during rush hour.
According to case materials, the assignment from Russia was carried out by a 17-year-old Kharkiv resident who had been recruited through a Telegram channel.
After agreeing to promises of easy money, she received from the Federal Security Service (FSB) the coordinates of a cache containing an improvised explosive device and the location of the planned attack.
The agent also agreed to independently manufacture bombs using improvised materials in accordance with instructions provided by the FSB. For this purpose, she purchased chemical components and nails to increase the explosive device's lethality.
During searches, officers seized a ready-made improvised explosive device, five liters of chemical liquid, and other components intended for another explosive. A smartphone used to communicate with her Russian handler was also recovered.
Investigators have formally notified the detainee of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law).
The suspect is currently in custody. She faces up to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.
Photo credit: SBU
