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The Security Service of Ukraine detained a 22-year-old woman from Lviv who was planning a terrorist attack in central Kyiv.

A Ukrainian girl struggling with addiction was recruited by Russians.
СБУ задержала 22-летнюю львовянку, которая планировала теракт в центре Киева.

The Security Service of Ukraine has detained a Russian agent from Lviv who was planning a terrorist attack near the Security Service of Ukraine building in central Kyiv. The 22-year-old woman was carrying an explosive device with a power equivalent to 7 kg of TNT, reported the SBU press service on Saturday, February 1.

According to law enforcement, the 22-year-old woman, who is a drug addict from Lviv, was recruited by Russians through Telegram channels for quick earnings. The occupiers instructed her to travel to Kyiv to a pre-rented apartment and carry out a terrorist act in the city center – the agent was supposed to detonate the explosives near the building of one of the SBU's structural units.

“This location is currently not being used by the security service employees, who have been relocated to backup operational points due to the full-scale invasion. However, the potential terrorist act could have resulted in significant casualties among civilian passersby in the city center,” – stated the SBU press service.

The Russian agent purchased and installed a mini surveillance camera on the balcony of the rented apartment to monitor the SBU building. With the help of the camera, the occupiers also aimed to capture the aftermath of the attack.

Law enforcement detained the Lviv resident when she retrieved a bag containing the explosive device with a power equivalent to 7 kg of TNT from a hiding place. According to the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it is stated that such an explosive could affect a radius of up to 25 meters – the SBU confirmed that the device could severely damage the building and kill people near the blast's epicenter.

During a search, authorities found a mobile phone on the 22-year-old agent, which she used to communicate with her Russian handler. She has been notified of suspicions on four charges:

  • Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (treason committed under martial law);
  • Part 1 of Article 14 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, Part 2 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (preparation for a terrorist act committed by a group of individuals in conspiracy);
  • Part 1 of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal handling of weapons, military supplies, or explosive substances).

The Russian accomplice faces life imprisonment with property confiscation. She is currently in custody, and law enforcement is taking measures to hold all individuals involved in the preparation of the terrorist act accountable.