SSU Foils Russian FSB Agent's Plot for ‘Environmental Terrorist Attack’ in Odesa

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has successfully detained a Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) agent who was orchestrating plans for an environmental terrorist attack in the Odesa region.

The arrest was made following meticulous investigative work by the SSU, as disclosed by the agency's official website.

The detained agent's primary objective was to survey locations storing toxic substances, including warehouses and facilities housing pesticides. Additionally, the suspect conducted reconnaissance on sites associated with the temporary deployment and movement of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Geo-referenced intelligence revealed that the Russian operative intended to execute the attack using missiles and Shahed-type kamikaze drones.

According to the SSU, the ultimate goal of the planned attack was to trigger an environmental disaster and create internal instability in the region. To gather intelligence discreetly, the assailant had assumed the role of a taxi driver. During his interactions with passengers, he discreetly photographed and recorded relevant locations.

The investigation unveiled the involvement of a student from Odessa University in the unfolding situation. In the fall of 2023, the SSU identified a remote contact made by an FSB employee with the student, whose identity has been established by cyber security officers.

The FSB representative successfully recruited the student, offering him compensation for his cooperation. The student, in turn, received payment for his role in the operation, maintaining contact with the FSB officer through a popular messenger app. To ensure secrecy, the traitor utilized different SIM cards and cell phones.

As part of the operation, SSU conducted a search, seizing all electronic devices used by the offender in his intelligence and subversive activities. The gravity of the charges means the perpetrator now faces life imprisonment. The entire operation was carried out under the watchful eye of the Prosecutor General's Office.

This incident comes on the heels of another incident where the SSU detained a Wagner militant infiltrated by Russian military intelligence to conduct acts of sabotage within Ukraine.