Russia's FSB foils terror attack in Moscow, detains suspected Ukrainian agent

The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has thwarted a potential terrorist attack in the capital, Moscow, having detained a man recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services. 

The suspect, a 1972-born Russian citizen with a criminal record, was planning to detonate a homemade explosive device (HED) in an administrative building in Moscow, the FSB confirmed, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

According to the Public Relations Center (PRC) of the FSB, the individual was detained after he was found in possession of a powerful 5 kg explosive device, designed with a timer and made from ammonal.

The suspect had been recruited by Ukrainian intelligence in February 2025. At the instruction of his handler, he retrieved the explosive device from a secret location and was preparing to plant it in a building frequented by large crowds.

The man, who had previously been convicted of murder, extortion, and robbery, was also found with a smartphone, which authorities claim was used to maintain communication with Ukrainian intelligence operatives.

The FSB’s swift actions have prevented what could have been a deadly attack in one of Moscow's key administrative areas.

By Khagan Isayev