Kyiv, Ukraine — A 24-year-old woman has been arrested following a violent explosion that targeted a serviceman’s SUV in the Obolon district. Authorities from both the police and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) apprehended the suspect after an extensive investigation that lasted several hours.
The inquiry revealed that the suspect, while searching for part-time employment through social media, was allegedly contacted by an individual linked to Russian security services. This person promised her $1,500 in exchange for executing the attack, although she never received the payment.
According to investigators, the woman followed the instructions of her handler to create an explosive device at home. She allegedly placed the bomb underneath the serviceman’s vehicle and set up a hidden camera to broadcast the explosion live. The device detonated when the serviceman approached his car, injuring both him and a companion.
The woman now faces charges related to terrorism under Ukrainian law. She is also suspected of involvement in the arson of a military vehicle that occurred in December, adding further gravity to the charges against her.
The explosion took place on January 4, resulting in injuries to the serviceman and his passenger and prompting law enforcement to classify the incident as a terrorist act. A mobile phone found near the blast site was reportedly used to stream the explosion in real time to her handler, connecting the crime to broader patterns of violence linked to foreign interference.
The SBU has been actively reporting on the ongoing threat posed by Russian agents operating in Ukraine, emphasizing their role in planning terrorist acts against both military and civilian targets. The agency encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may resemble recruitment attempts for such violent actions.
Additionally, troubling trends have emerged, with reports indicating that approximately 22% of individuals recruited by Russian security services in Ukraine are minors. Previous investigations have documented instances where young people were used to conduct arson attacks on military-related facilities.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of scrutiny regarding offers encountered on social media, urging the public to approach such proposals with caution. They emphasize the need to notify law enforcement promptly if any recruitment or criminal activity is suspected, as the security landscape in Ukraine remains precarious.