The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police have foiled russia’s attempt to carry out a terrorist attack against the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the south of Kharkiv region.

As a result of preemptive action in Lozova, an enemy agent was detained. He was preparing to blow up a Ukrainian Armed Forces vehicle using an improvised explosive device.

The perpetrator planned to remotely activate the bomb when Ukrainian servicemen approached the mined vehicle.

The SSU uncovered the enemy’s plot at an early stage and detained the agent when he was attempting to plant the IED under the vehicle.

The investigation established that the enemy accomplice was a 53-year-old local unemployed man who came to the occupiers’ attention on Telegram channels while searching for ‘easy money’.

Following his handler’s instructions, the agent first tracked down the service vehicle and then made an improvised explosive device, which he intended to fill with nuts to increase its destructive power.

During the searches, the finished IED disguised as a fire extinguisher, other components for explosive devices, and a smartphone with evidence of working for the enemy were seized from the suspect.

SSU investigators have notified the detainee of suspicion under Articles 14.1, 258.2 of the CCU (preparation for a terrorist act, committed by a group, upon prior conspiracy).

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

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