Ukraine detains two suspects accused of planning attacks with Russian links PHOTO

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has detained two individuals in the Kharkiv region who are suspected of collaborating with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) and planning a series of attacks, the agency said.

According to the SBU, the suspects were recruited remotely through Telegram channels and initially carried out what investigators described as “test” assignments, including photographing potential targets and setting fire to a vehicle belonging to Ukraine’s Defence Forces, Caliber.Az reports. 

The agency said the suspects later organised what they presented as a charity event intended to attract Ukrainian military personnel. Investigators allege that they planned to put potent substances into drinks at the gathering, which could have caused fatal consequences.

The SBU said several dozen people, mostly members of the Ukrainian military, had agreed to attend the event.

The suspects were also allegedly instructed by a handler to manufacture a powerful explosive device containing 10 kilograms of explosives, according to the security service.

The two individuals have been placed in pretrial detention without bail eligibility and face a possible life sentence if convicted.

By Sabina Mammadli