The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has thwarted a plot by agents of the Russian GRU (Main Intelligence Directorate) who were planning a series of terrorist attacks on Kyiv ahead of May 9.
According to reports from the SSU, the agents had already planted explosives in construction hypermarkets and cafes.
"The SSU counterintelligence has prevented four terrorist attacks in Kyiv scheduled for May 9. As a result of a multi-stage special operation in the capital, agents of the Russian GRU who were installing explosive devices in hypermarkets of a well-known chain and near a café have been detained," the statement said.
Bombs were concealed
According to available information, homemade explosive devices were concealed in tea packages. They consisted of a timer, detonator, and plastic explosive with an igniting mixture intended to cause massive fires.
The Russian special services intended for the bombs to detonate during peak hours of hypermarket visits to inflict maximum harm on civilians. Additionally, they planned to place them among easily flammable materials to hinder quick extinguishing of the resulting fires.
Café terrorist attack
Another planned attack was to take place near a popular café in Kyiv. Russian agents intended to plant explosive devices in a parked car nearby.
"In planning these attacks, the Russian special services once again demonstrated their criminal nature. We acted preemptively and disrupted the enemy's plans in time. Every step of the criminals has been documented - they will face deserved punishment. As will anyone attempting to work in favor of the Russian Federation. Symbolically, the dates on which the Russians want to carry out their attacks gradually become a symbol of the failure of their special services," said SSU Chairman Vasyl Maliuk.
About mastermind of attacks
Counterintelligence of the Security Service has established that the curator of the RF's terrorist attacks was a GRU employee, Yuriy Sizov, who serves in military unit No. 92154.
He personally gave instructions to recruited agents and even recorded a video tutorial on installing an explosive device in one of the stores of the same chain in the Moscow region.
The SSU had been monitoring his activities for a long time and systematically documented the criminal actions of his network.
Not the first sabotage on his record
In particular, Yuriy Sizov was also responsible for orchestrating sabotage in Ukraine, which was supposed to take place in Lviv region in February 2024. Then, the SSU also acted preemptively and prevented the explosions.
Currently, the Security Service has identified the entire chain of this network, including intelligence and combat groups, smugglers who supplied explosives from the territory of the Russian Federation, and the direct perpetrators of the terrorist act, who were caught red-handed while installing explosive devices in the third hypermarket.
The detainees have been informed of the suspicions against them for the crimes they have committed, including under the following articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
- Article 111 (state treason);
- Article 113 (sabotage);
- Article 258 (terrorist act).
They all face life imprisonment.
As reported, the Russian GRU planned to carry out attacks in Kyiv on May 9. The Security Service of Ukraine thwarted the provocations.