Russia’s security service says it foiled alleged attack on defense executive

Tuesday 03 March 2026 - 13:31

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Tuesday that it had prevented what it described as a planned “terrorist attack” targeting a senior executive at a defense company.

According to Russian authorities, special forces units intervened during an operation to detain a suspect believed to be preparing the attack. The FSB stated that the individual died when an explosive device he was allegedly carrying was detonated remotely. Officials claimed the detonation was triggered by a handler based in Ukraine while the suspect was being apprehended.

The security agency identified the suspect as a 40-year-old Russian citizen who was reportedly operating under a falsified passport. Investigators allege that he had acted on instructions from Ukrainian intelligence services.

During a search of the scene, officers said they recovered a second improvised explosive device concealed inside a portable battery charger. The device allegedly contained approximately 300 grams of plastic explosive material, along with a foreign-manufactured electric detonator and a radio-controlled activation mechanism.

Authorities also reported seizing a mobile phone said to contain communications with an individual described as a Ukrainian intelligence officer, as well as a counterfeit Russian passport.

A criminal investigation has been opened on charges related to the preparation of a terrorist act. The claims have not been independently verified, and Ukrainian officials have not publicly commented on the incident.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Kyiv, with security services in Russia frequently reporting alleged plots targeting state institutions and defense-related entities.