The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the National Police prevented a terrorist attack that was to take place on February 28 in the center of Zhytomyr. A Russian agent, who turned out to be a teenager, planned it near the "Walk of Fame to Heroes".
This was reported by the SSU.
"The Security Service and the National Police detained an enemy agent who, on Russia’s orders, was preparing a terrorist attack in one of the most populous places in Zhytomyr - near the "Walk of Fame to Heroes," the statement said.
According to case materials, the enemy accomplice turned out to be a 16-year-old student from Zhytomyr region, whom the Russian intelligence service involved in criminal activity in exchange for money.
"The minor was supposed to leave an improvised explosive device (IED) disguised in a backpack on the Walk," law enforcement stated.
At that moment, the occupiers planned to remotely detonate the explosive along with their agent.
"Thus, the Russian intelligence service hoped to achieve two goals: to carry out a bloody terrorist attack with a large number of casualties, as well as to eliminate their agent as an "unnecessary witness", the SSU noted.
Counterintelligence of the SSU uncovered the enemy’s plot in advance and apprehended the perpetrator "red-handed" as the young man was approaching the planned site of the attack.
According to the investigation, the student made the IED himself following instructions from a Russian handler. To disguise the explosive, he placed it in a pot, and to enhance its destructive effect, he additionally filled the explosive with iron screws.
Then, instead of going to school, the young man took a taxi to Zhytomyr to prepare the attack. Throughout the journey to the central alley, the agent remained in constant contact with the Russian intelligence officer.
After receiving a "report" of arrival at the destination, the occupiers were supposed to activate the IED by calling the mobile phone connected to the explosive.
However, thanks to the proactive actions of the law enforcement officers, the tragedy was averted. The offender faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.