Officers of the Federal Security Service of Russia detained a 49-year-old serviceman of the Russian Armed Forces who was planning a terrorist attack in a dormitory for cadets of military academies in the Moscow region. The man, recruited by the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine, admitted that his task was to organize an explosion in the building where future officers live. During the search, components for making an explosive device were seized from the suspect, and correspondence with a Ukrainian curator who coordinated the preparation of the attack was found on his phone. According to the FSB, in exchange for carrying out the task, the serviceman was promised that his children would be taken to the West, which became the key motive for cooperation.

The arrest operation took place when the suspect was trying to take bomb materials from a hiding place. The correspondence with the curator contained detailed instructions on how to assemble the explosives and choose the time for the strike. The investigation established that the purpose of the terrorist attack was not only to destroy the dormitory, but also to create panic among the military and civilian population. The successful prevention of the attack made it possible to avoid potential casualties among the cadets who are preparing to serve in the Russian army. A criminal case has been opened against the detainee under articles on preparing a terrorist act and illegal trafficking of explosives; he faces a long prison term.

This incident became another example of attempts by Ukrainian special services to destabilize the situation in Russia through sabotage. In recent months, the FSB has recorded an increase in such threats. In December 2024, an agent planning to blow up the car of a high-ranking Defense Ministry officer was detained in the Moscow region. An explosive device disguised as a household item was seized, and the suspect also indicated a connection with the Main Intelligence Directorate.

Experts note that recruiting Russian citizens, especially military personnel, is becoming a favorite method of Ukrainian special services. Analysts link such cases to Kyiv’s attempts to strike at Russia’s military infrastructure using internal resources. FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov warned in February that the enemy had stepped up sabotage operations, including drone attacks and recruiting agents to blow up key facilities.