The Security Service of Ukraine detained a Russian spy couple who planned to carry out a double terrorist attack near the Territorial Supply Center in Ternopil. The attackers were preparing explosions with the aim of causing mass casualties among the civilian population, informs SBU press office.
Thanks to the special operation, it was possible to prevent another attempt by the Russian special services to destabilize the situation in the western regions of Ukraine. According to the plans of the Russian military, the official car parked near the TCC was to explode first, and after the arrival of the emergency services, a second explosive planted nearby.
In this way, the Russians planned not only to kill as many Ukrainian citizens as possible, but also to eliminate their own agents as “extra witnesses”. According to the investigation, the terrorist attack was to be carried out by two drug addicts from Poltava region – a 42-year-old man and his 30-year-old roommate, who were looking for money for drugs in Telegram channels. There they were recruited by an employee of the Russian special services, who gave the order to go to Ternopil.
In the city, the agents received instructions to rent an apartment and store there two improvised explosive devices equipped with additional damage elements — nuts and an electronic remote detonation system. The SBU exposed the agents at an early stage and documented their criminal activities. The arrest took place when the couple was on their way to the site of the plСБУ предотвратила попытку двойного теракта возле ЦСС в Тернополеanned terrorist attack with explosives.
Suspicion was announced to the perpetrators under part. 2 Art. 258 (preparation for a terrorist attack) and ch. 1 Art. 263 (illegal handling of explosives) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Both are currently in custody and face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
The operation was conducted by SBU employees in the Ternopil region under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor’s office.
