The SSU Main Directorate for Internal Security has detained two enemy agents within 24 hours after they carried out a terrorist attack on one Kyiv’s central streets on February 11 this year.

According to the investigation, the perpetrators first loaded explosives into a van parked next to one of the SSU facilities and then detonated it.

The investigation established that the russian order was carried out by a 47-year-old Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman recruited by the enemy. He had deserted his place of service in Sumy region.

After fleeing the garrison, the deserter lay low in western Ukraine.

Later, on his handler’s instructions, he recruited a 29-year-old accomplice from Kyiv. He introduced himself to the new asset as an officer of Ukrainian security services and instructed him to make an improvised explosive device with remote activation.

The two agents also purchased a used van through proxies and ordered it to be converted into an ambulance for transporting wounded Defence Forces soldiers.

To this end, the car sellers installed oxygen and gas cylinders in the vehicle’s interior and equipped it with a remote-access webcam, which was later used by the russian intelligence.

The gas cylinder was supposed to amplify the impact of the blast, and the russians used the video device to monitor the parking of the van at the site of the plotted terrorist attack.

After manufacturing the IED, the perpetrators placed it inside the van and quickly left the location. The ruscists then remotely detonated the car.

During the searches of the suspects’ temporary homes, components for IEDs, video surveillance cameras, and SIM cards, prepared for new terrorist attacks, were found.

SSU investigators have notified both detainees of suspicion of terrorist act (Article 258.2 of the CCU).

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

The operation was carried out jointly with the National Police, investigators of the SSU Office in Kyiv and Kyiv Region under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.