The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police apprehended an agent group that, on behalf of Russian special services, detonated a courier carrying explosives near the Territorial Recruitment Center (TCK) in Kamianets-Podilskyi.
As reported on the SBU website, there are two Russian agents involved who executed this contract terrorist act on February 5. They covertly used a courier from a delivery service to transport explosives to a target designated by the Russian intelligence.
"As a result of the explosion near the TCK building in Kamianets-Podilskyi, the courier died on the spot, and 8 individuals sustained injuries of varying severity," the statement said.
Within a day following the attack, both perpetrators were apprehended "hot on the trail," and their connection to the Russian intelligence was documented in the ensuing days.
"The perpetrators turned out to be a local drug addict and a 17-year-old student from the city college, who were recruited through a Telegram channel seeking 'easy' earnings. Both individuals acted separately but had a common Russian handler," the Service noted.
Following his instructions, the underage agent constructed an improvised explosive device. To maximize damage, he filled it with nuts and pieces of rebar, and for remote detonation, he equipped it with a mobile phone.
"The student then hid the IED in a cache and sent the geolocation to his handler from the FSB. The Russian intelligence officer relayed the coordinates to another drug-addicted agent, who later retrieved the explosives," the SBU reported.
Subsequently, the drug addict was supposed to deliver the IED disguised as a package to the TCK building. Realizing that he might be eliminated "as a witness," he ordered a delivery. When the courier arrived at the TCK, the occupiers detonated the explosives along with him.
It is noted that during the searches, mobile phones were seized from the detainees containing evidence of contacts with Russian intelligence, as well as tools and components for manufacturing explosives.
Both apprehended individuals have now been informed of their suspicion under Part 3 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (terrorist act resulting in death). They remain in custody and face life imprisonment with asset confiscation.
Explosion near TCK in Kamianets-Podilskyi
On February 5, around 1:00 PM, an explosion occurred near the local TCK in Kamianets-Podilskyi. At that time, it was reported that a man was killed in the explosion, and four others were injured.
Law enforcement agencies reported to UNIAN that the explosion took place near the checkpoint close to the TCK building. The device detonated was carried by a man who died. This civilian reportedly brought a bag of belongings for an acquaintance who was at the TCK.