Photo: facebook.com/SecurSerUkraine
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) said it had prevented a planned double bombing in the courtyard of a residential complex in Ivano-Frankivsk, alleging the attack was orchestrated by Russian intelligence services.
According to the SBU, the plot involved detonating a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) in a parking area, followed by a second explosion after emergency responders and civilians arrived at the scene.
Investigators said Russian handlers recruited an unemployed local resident through Telegram channels advertising easy money. The suspect allegedly followed instructions from Russian operatives throughout the operation.
The SBU said the man rented an apartment overlooking the planned attack site and secretly placed a mobile phone connected to a power bank in the courtyard, allowing Russian handlers to choose the exact location for the blast remotely.
He then allegedly purchased components for improvised explosive devices and was instructed to disguise them as kitchen pots.
According to the investigation, each device contained around six kilograms of explosives, a detonator and hundreds of metal bolts intended to maximize casualties.
The first bomb was to be planted between parked civilian vehicles. After the initial explosion drew local residents, police, medics and rescue workers to the scene, Russian operatives allegedly planned to remotely detonate the second shrapnel-filled device hidden nearby.
The SBU said its counterintelligence officers disrupted the plot before it could be carried out, documented every stage of the preparation and identified the Russian intelligence officers allegedly involved in planning the attack.
