Russia Tried Launching Its Own “Operation Spiderweb” in Odesa—With One Drone

Ukraine’s security service says it has disrupted a Russian intelligence plot to carry out drone bombing attacks against Ukrainian military positions in the southern port city of Odesa by recruiting local residents, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported on January 16.

Counterintelligence officers detained two agents linked to Russia’s military intelligence service, known as the GRU, just days before a planned drone strike.

According to the SBU, the suspects had already prepared an explosive payload for an unmanned aerial vehicle and received final approval from their Russian handler for a specific target—one of the locations used by a local unit of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

Investigators identified one of the suspects as a 49-year-old local businessman who was allegedly recruited by Russian intelligence through the Telegram messaging app.

The SBU said he initially received a quadcopter from his handlers and later retrieved two kilograms of plastic explosive from a concealed cache, along with components used to assemble an improvised explosive device. The materials were then mounted onto the drone.

The man reportedly enlisted the help of a 47-year-old acquaintance, who assisted in identifying areas with the highest concentration of Ukrainian troops. The pair allegedly marked the locations on Google Maps and reported them back to their Russian handler for approval.

After receiving confirmation of the target, the suspects began preparing the drone strike. SBU counterintelligence officers intervened at that stage and arrested both men.

“During searches, officers seized a quadcopter loaded with explosives, as well as a Kalashnikov assault rifle, two Makarov pistols with ammunition, an F-1 combat grenade, and other weapons,” the Security Service said.

The detained suspects have been formally charged with high treason. If convicted, they face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was intended to imitate the famous Ukrainian Operation Spiderweb. This 18-month covert drone campaign smuggled armed quadcopters into Russia inside prefabricated cabins and culminated in a June 1 strike on multiple strategic bomber airfields that damaged dozens of aircraft.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) arrested two Russian operatives in Kherson who were plotting to target police officers with explosives and then escape to Russia.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW