Four teenagers detained in Russia for plot to sabotage oil pipeline

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the detention of four teenagers in the Lipetsk region, aged between 14 and 17, who are suspected of planning to sabotage a section of the Transneft-Druzhba oil pipeline.

The FSB claims the group was acting under the direction of a Ukrainian security services officer, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The teenagers were apprehended on December 16 after allegedly receiving instructions to use a homemade explosive device to target an oil pipeline in the Lebedyansky district.

According to the FSB, the teenagers initially made contact with a Ukrainian officer via the Telegram messaging app in October 2025. In exchange for monetary compensation, they are said to have agreed to carry out attacks on transport and energy infrastructure and were provided with the coordinates of a cache containing the explosive device.

In response to the incident, Russia’s Investigative Committee opened a criminal case under Article 30 (preparation for sabotage) and Article 281 (sabotage) of the Russian Criminal Code. If convicted, the individuals could face up to 20 years in prison.

By Sabina Mammadli