SBU Thwarts Terrorist Plot Against RTC Buildings in Central Kyiv: Recidivists Acted on Russian Orders

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), in cooperation with the police, has thwarted the preparation of a series of sabotage acts against the buildings of territorial recruitment and social support centers (RTCs) in central Kyiv. Both suspects were detained during the preparation phase while conducting reconnaissance near potential targets. According to the investigation, the men acted on orders from Russia. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the SBU.

Profile of the Detainees: Recidivists from the Same Penal Colony

One of the suspects is a resident of Chernihiv Oblast, previously convicted of murder. The second is his accomplice from Sumy Oblast. Both previously served sentences in the same correctional colony, where, according to the investigation, their criminal ties were formed. To carry out the terrorist plan, the perpetrators intended to involve a third accomplice, but the group was exposed before he could be recruited. The third accomplice, who was hiding abroad at the time of the detention, was notified of suspicion in absentia.

Attack Scenarios: From Grenade Launchers to Improvised Bombs

The investigation established that the suspects considered several options for destroying the RTC buildings. Among the discussed scenarios were shelling the military facilities with a grenade launcher, throwing Molotov cocktails or combat grenades at the targets, and blowing them up using improvised explosive devices. According to law enforcement, this variability indicates that the group was ready to adapt the attack method depending on the circumstances on the ground.

Vehicle Reconnaissance: Mapping Security and Escape Routes

During the preparation for the terrorist attack, the suspects drove around Kyiv in their own car, filming the locations of sensitive facilities on their phones. They recorded the presence of security and surveillance cameras, and studied the approach and escape routes for each of the potential targets. Law enforcement intercepted the group and detained both men precisely during this reconnaissance phase. A combat grenade prepared for use was found during a search of one of the participant's cars.

Criminal Prosecution and Penalties

SBU investigators served both detainees with a notice of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 14 and Part 2 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — preparation for a terrorist act committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy. Both suspects have been remanded in custody without the right to bail. The maximum penalty under this qualification is 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Context: A Series of Uncovered Sabotage Episodes

The prevention of the attack on the RTC in Kyiv comes against the backdrop of several other sabotage and reconnaissance episodes uncovered by the SBU. Recently, the service disclosed details of the murder of Ukrainian servicemen in Kharkiv Oblast: a 36-year-old Russian citizen, Leonid Ryzhikov, became the suspect. According to the investigation, he fled from occupied positions after being shelled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and on October 13 shot a local fisherman and five Ukrainian servicemen. In addition, an FSB agent preparing the mass activation of Starlink terminals for Russian forces was detained in Kyiv: an 18-year-old Kyiv resident tried to register 148 devices, 15 of which he had already registered using the passports of relatives and acquaintances. The combination of these episodes points to the systemic nature of sabotage activity aimed at undermining Ukraine's rear infrastructure and communication systems.