---
title: "SBU Thwarts Terrorist Plot Against RTC Buildings in Central Kyiv: Recidivists Acted on Russian Orders"
description: "The SBU and police detained two previously convicted men who, on Russian orders, were preparing a shelling and bombing attack on RTC buildings in central Kyiv. A combat grenade was found in their car during the arrest."
date: 2026-10-20T09:12:02.453Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/sbu-thwarts-terrorist-plot-against-rtc-kyiv
tags: [sbu, kyiv, terror-plot, tcc, ukraine-security, counter-terrorism, diversion]
author: "Roman V."
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

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

![Serviceman in balaclava and SBU tactical vest stands outdoors with cars in the background](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/20/sbu-presekala-podgotovku-terakta-protiv-tck-v-kyeve/sbu-presekala-podgotovku-terakta-protiv-tck-v-kyeve-1.webp)

## Key Points

- The SBU and police detained two men preparing a series of attacks on RTC buildings in central Kyiv on Russian orders
- Both detainees are previously convicted recidivists (one convicted of murder) who served time in the same colony
- A combat grenade was found in their car during the arrest; the suspects face up to 12 years in prison
- A third accomplice hiding abroad has been notified of suspicion in absentia

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.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Трое мужчин готовили целую серию терактов в ТЦК Киева, - СБУ](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/troe-cholovikiv-gotuvali-tsilu-seriyu-teraktiv-1792487237.html) - Primary source. Official statement by the SBU regarding the detention of two suspects in the preparation of a terrorist attack against RTC buildings in Kyiv. Criminal code articles, sanctions, reconnaissance details, and the discovery of the grenade are specified. Contextual episodes (Ryzhikov, Starlink) are also cited in the same material.

## FAQ

### What exactly were the detained men preparing?

According to the SBU, the suspects were preparing a series of attacks on RTC buildings in central Kyiv. Scenarios included shelling with a grenade launcher, throwing Molotov cocktails or combat grenades, and blowing up the targets with improvised explosive devices.

### Who are the detainees and what is their criminal background?

One is a resident of Chernihiv Oblast previously convicted of murder. The second is his accomplice from Sumy Oblast. Both served their sentences in the same correctional colony.

### What charges have been brought against the suspects?

Charges under Part 1 of Article 14 and Part 2 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — preparation for a terrorist act by prior conspiracy of a group of persons. Punishment is up to 12 years in prison with property confiscation. Both are in custody without the right to bail.

### What happened to the third accomplice?

The third accomplice, whom the suspects planned to involve in the preparation of the terrorist attack, was hiding abroad at the time of the detention. He was notified of suspicion in absentia.