The SSU Counterintelligence has prevented yet another terrorist attack in Kharkiv. As a result of preemptive actions, two enemy agents who were preparing an explosion in the city centre were apprehended.

They manufactured an improvised bomb, which they intended to plant in central Kharkiv and detonate remotely during peak crowds.

If the bloody attack had succeeded, the ruscists hoped to provoke panic in Kharkiv and destabilise the socio-political situation in this frontline city.

The SSU uncovered the enemy intentions in time and detained the agents in the city while they were assembling the bomb in a rented apartment.

As the investigation established, the terrorist attack was being prepared by a local married couple of drug addicts who were spotted by the occupiers while seeking ‘easy money’ on Telegram.

After the recruitment, the assets received instructions from a russian handler on how to make an improvised explosive device.

In the next stage, the agents identified the target of the planned attack and approved it with the russians.

A finished IED, remnants of explosive components, mobile phones for remote detonation, and a smartphone containing evidence of contact with the russian intelligence were seized during the search.

SSU investigators notified the detainees of suspicion under Articles 14.1 and 258.2 of the CCU (preparation to commit a terrorist act, by prior conspiracy, by a group).

The suspects are in custody and face up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Kharkiv Office under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.