Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) says it has prevented what it describes as a large-scale sabotage and terrorist operation allegedly planned by Ukrainian intelligence services against military facilities and defense-related targets inside Russia.
In a statement, the FSB claimed the operation involved advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, hidden transport methods and support from what it described as Western handlers.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and Ukrainian authorities had not publicly responded to the claims at the time of the announcement.
FSB Alleges Plot Targeted Airbases and Defense Infrastructure
According to the Russian security agency, the planned attacks were intended to strike military infrastructure, one of Russia’s leading defense industry enterprises and personnel from the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The FSB said it gathered intelligence indicating that Ukrainian special services had prepared a coordinated campaign using first-person-view (FPV) drones equipped with explosive warheads.
Russian officials alleged that the drones and their mobile control stations were initially brought into the Bryansk region concealed inside containers transported by fixed-wing drones and aerostats before being moved further into Russian territory.
Authorities Describe Complex Smuggling Operation
The FSB claimed the equipment was later transported in passenger vehicles towing trailers with concealed double-floor compartments.
According to the statement, the hidden cargo was disguised among household appliances before being delivered to areas near the Ukrainka Airbase in Russia’s Amur region and the Shagol Airbase in the Chelyabinsk region.
Russian authorities alleged that the drones were assembled and prepared for deployment inside rented garages close to the intended targets.
Security Services Say Suspects Were Arrested
The FSB stated that the entire operation remained under continuous surveillance by Russian security and counterintelligence officers.
According to the agency, operational measures resulted in the detention of individuals it identified as the alleged organizers and accomplices involved in the planned attacks.
No information was immediately released regarding the identities of those detained or any legal representation.
Advanced Drone Equipment Reportedly Seized
Russian officials said investigators confiscated 24 FPV drones fitted with warheads containing more than one kilogram of explosives each.
The FSB claimed the drones were equipped with neural network-based guidance systems designed to resist electronic warfare measures and said components had been manufactured in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Sweden.
The agency also reported seizing two mobile drone control stations capable of operating through satellite, cellular, Wi-Fi and radio networks. According to the statement, the systems contained self-destruct devices with 250 grams of explosives and communications equipment allegedly used to maintain contact with Ukrainian handlers.
Investigation Underway
The FSB said its investigative department has opened criminal proceedings and is continuing procedural actions related to the case.
The allegations reflect the position of Russian authorities and have not been independently verified. Ukraine has previously denied involvement in similar accusations made by Moscow regarding alleged sabotage operations inside Russian territory.
