SBU Foils Russian Plot to Bomb Kyiv Metro and Shopping Centers

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has prevented a series of terrorist attacks planned in Kyiv’s metro and several large shopping centers, the agency announced on November 12.

According to the SBU, Russian operatives intended to plant explosive devices equipped with mobile phones for remote detonation during peak hours to maximize civilian casualties and sow panic in the Ukrainian capital.

The investigation revealed that the plot was coordinated by a resident of Russian-occupied Crimea who began collaborating with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) after the peninsula’s annexation.

The SBU stated that the suspect sought to recruit “like-minded individuals” into the FSB’s agent network, including Ukrainian citizens who were not subject to mobilization. Investigators documented the recruitment of a Crimean resident who crossed into Ukraine through third countries.

Once in Kyiv, the agent received coordinates of a weapons cache containing a Makarov pistol with ammunition and instructions to carry out a targeted assassination of a media figure in the city.

In addition to the planned killing, the agent was ordered to prepare improvised explosive devices (IEDs) hidden in backpacks for use in crowded public areas. Each device was designed for remote activation via mobile phone at rush hour.

The SBU intercepted the operative before any attacks could take place and recorded all communications between the agent and his FSB handler in Crimea.

The service identified the organizer, who remains in the occupied territory, and charged him in absentia under three articles of Ukraine’s Criminal Code: high treason committed under martial law, preparation of a terrorist act, and illegal possession of weapons or explosives.

Earlier, on October 23, SBU detained two employees at a defense plant in Mykolaiv region who were allegedly passing sensitive geolocation data and security details to Russian military intelligence. According to the SBU, the suspects also reported the results of Russian missile strikes and the positions of Ukrainian troops.

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