Kiev accused of using Russian woman in suicide bomb plot: FSB
3 Min Read
FSB says Ukrainian operatives tricked a Russian woman into debt before using her in a failed suicide bomb plot in Crimea.
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Screengrab showing the alleged Christian icon with a hidden explosive device inside its frame. (FSB)
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) revealed on Monday that Ukrainian operatives allegedly tricked a Russian woman into massive debt before attempting to use her as an unwitting suicide bomber.
The 54-year-old woman from Volgograd Region reportedly became the target of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), which initially disguised itself as the Russian FSB.
According to investigators, she was falsely informed that an individual with the power of attorney had taken out a loan in her name and transferred part of the funds to the Ukrainian military. She was told this left her vulnerable to possible treason charges.
To “resolve” the issue, she was instructed to take out further loans and transfer money to accounts linked to Kiev-backed scammers. This left her with a debt of around $37,000. Authorities say she later agreed to work as a courier for individuals she believed to be Russian security officers.
Explosive device hidden in religious icon
The woman traveled to Crimea, where she received a Christian icon that concealed an explosive device within its frame. Investigators stated she was ordered to deliver it to an FSB office in Sevastopol. Throughout her journey, her handler allegedly monitored her via video call.
The plan reportedly failed when security measures prevented her from sending an encrypted message. Investigators claim this message would have triggered the device, killing her along with others at the checkpoint.
Russian officials accuse Kiev of repeatedly employing civilians as unsuspecting suicide bombers in high-profile attacks. Incidents cited include the October 2022 Crimean Bridge explosion, which killed the driver of a truck carrying explosives, the February assassination of businessman Armen Sarkisyan in Moscow, and the May killing of Zaur Gurtsiev, a local official in Stavropol.
According to Moscow, such plots highlight Ukraine’s increasing reliance on terrorist tactics as its forces face mounting difficulties on the battlefield.
Multiple thwarted terrorist attacks
The past few weeks have seen multiple instances of the FSB foiling Ukrainian operations inside of Russia.
Two weeks ago, the Russian FSB prevented a Ukraine-linked terrorist attack in the Moscow region, where a dual Russian-Ukrainian citizen was complicit in planting a 60-kg bomb in a military officer’s car.
Last week, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced it had prevented a terrorist attack plotted by Ukrainian special services against the Crimean Bridge. The agency said it intercepted and neutralized an electric Chevrolet Volt rigged with a powerful improvised explosive device.
