In Kyiv, the Security Service and the National Police have apprehended two saboteurs who, on the orders of russian intelligence, were preparing a series of arson attacks on Ukrzaliznytsia [Ukrainian Railways].

The enemy’s targets were relay cabinets of signaling installations on strategically important railroad routes in the region.

For the sabotage, the occupiers recruited a local 22-year-old repeat offender who came to their attention because of his convictions for hooliganism and fraud.

At the end of July this year, an officer of a russian special service contacted the young man on Telegram and offered him cooperation.

For the enemy money, their accomplice first had to burn down a relay cabinet near one of Ukrzaliznytsia freight stations in Kyiv.

The asset engaged his 17-year-old acquaintance, a local handyman, to carry out the task.

The saboteurs conducted reconnaissance near the potential target at night, took pictures of it and sent them to their russian handler for approval.

They then purchased tools to break the protective panel of the electrical equipment and a flammable mixture.

In the dusk, the perpetrators broke the door of the relay cabinet and set fire to the equipment, filming this on a mobile phone to report to the aggressor.

Further, they intended to carry out a series of arsons at Kyiv railway infrastructure facilities.

The SSU derailed the enemy plans and detained both suspects in hot pursuit.

During the searches of their homes, the SSU seized mobile phones with evidence of the sabotage against Ukraine and the tools used to commit the crime.

SSU investigators notified the detainees of suspicion under Articles 28.2, 113.2 of the CCU (sabotage, committed by a group, under martial law).

The repeat offender is in custody, his accomplice is under night house arrest.

Both suspects face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.