The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained a children’s entertainer in Kharkiv who, acting on orders from Russia’s FSB, was preparing to blow up key electrical substations in the city.
According to the SBU, the investigation revealed that the agent came to the attention of Russian operatives through a female acquaintance living in Russia, Ukrinform reports.
After being remotely recruited, the agent received an assignment from his handler: to blow up a critical electrical substation that supplies power to one of Kharkiv’s districts.
The suspect was given detailed instructions from the Russian handler on how to assemble an improvised explosive device (IED) at home.
He was apprehended by law enforcement while making the explosive in his residence.
The SBU also discovered that the man had been documenting the locations of Ukrainian forces while traveling to children’s events. This was considered a test assignment from his handler to assess his readiness for more complex missions.
According to case materials, had he succeeded in sabotaging the first substation, the agent was to carry out similar attacks on other energy facilities across the city.
During searches of his home and vehicle, officers found IED components, pro-Kremlin paraphernalia — including a Ukrainian passport in a cover featuring the Russian tricolor — and a tablet and phone containing evidence of collaboration with the enemy.
He has been formally charged under Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason committed under martial law).
The suspect is in custody and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
Source: Russian agent preparing attacks on Kharkiv's energy infrastructure detained
