Ukrainian security service foils planned series of explosions in Kharkiv Teen suspect detained / photo

Ukraine’s counterintelligence authorities have thwarted an alleged attempt to carry out a series of terrorist attacks in the city of Kharkiv, following the detention of a teenage suspect, according to a statement released by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Investigators say the suspect, a 17-year-old resident of the city, was acting on instructions from Russian intelligence services and had been preparing explosions in locations with large concentrations of civilians. The girl was apprehended during curfew while retrieving an improvised explosive device from a hidden cache disguised near garbage containers.

According to the investigation, she allegedly intended to take the explosives by taxi to the city centre, where the device was to be concealed and later detonated remotely during peak hours.

Authorities determined that the minor had been recruited through a Telegram channel advertising opportunities for “quick earnings.” After agreeing to cooperate, she reportedly received the coordinates of a stash containing a ready-made improvised explosive device, as well as instructions identifying the planned target area. Investigators also state that, following orders from her handler, she was expected to manufacture additional explosive devices independently using improvised materials. To that end, she purchased chemical substances and metal components intended to increase the destructive impact of a blast.

During searches, law enforcement officers seized the prepared explosive device, approximately five litres of chemical liquid, and other materials intended for assembling another bomb. A smartphone used to maintain contact with a representative of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) was also confiscated.

The detainee has been formally notified of suspicion under the charge of high treason committed under martial law. She remains in custody, and if convicted, faces a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison along with confiscation of property.

By Tamilla Hasanova