Russian spy attempt to recruit teen for terror attack foiled in Ukraine photo

On December 10, 2025, Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) counterintelligence, together with the National Police, successfully foiled a planned terrorist attack in the city of Zhytomyr.

Investigations revealed that Russian intelligence operatives had attempted to recruit a 16-year-old schoolgirl from Berdychiv, who had been seeking “easy earnings” via Telegram channels, to carry out the plot.

According to the SBU, the Russian handler instructed the girl to travel to Zhytomyr and stay for several days in a rented apartment. There, she was expected to assemble an improvised explosive device (IED) on her own, following instructions provided by the Russian operatives. The instructions included reinforcing the device with metal nuts and equipping it with a mobile phone for remote detonation.

The schoolgirl was then tasked with hiding the bomb, disguised as a fire extinguisher, in a park and positioning a phone camera to monitor the intended target location.

SBU and National Police officers identified and neutralised the device in time, preventing any casualties and documenting the enemy’s activity for evidence.

A criminal case has been opened under the charge of “preparation of a terrorist act,” and investigations are ongoing to hold all those involved accountable.

By Tamilla Hasanova