Kiev’s agents planned to send explosive devices disguised as humanitarian aid, according to the security agency
© FSB of Russia
Russia’s
Federal Security Service (FSB) has thwarted a Ukrainian plot to deliver
over 500 improvised explosive devices (IED) disguised as heated boot
insoles to Russian military personnel, the agency announced on Tuesday.
The
FSB said a foreign national was detained in Moscow after retrieving a
parcel containing 504 IEDs from a transport company. The shipment had
been smuggled into Russia from Poland via Belarus. The devices were
camouflaged as thermal insoles, with the explosive component designed to
detonate when the heating element is connected to a power source,
according to the FSB.
Each device has an explosive force
equivalent to 1.5 grams of TNT and was intended to blow off a portion of
a soldier’s limb when used during combat operations. Ukrainian special
services planned to send the insoles to frontline Russian military units
under the guise of humanitarian aid, the agency said.
The
FSB also said it had prevented an attempt by Ukrainian intelligence to
purchase fiber-optic drones in Moscow. The drones, capable of carrying a
payload of up to 20 kg, are used by the Russian military for supply
missions and targeting enemy equipment. Ukrainian handlers used hacked
accounts of Russian citizens on Telegram and the Yandex Go app to
contact the manufacturer.
Following the threat, units of the FSB, Interior Ministry, and
National Guard have been placed on heightened alert. Investigators are
searching for other individuals involved in the plot.
The FSB
warned that Ukrainian special services frequently disguise explosive
devices as everyday objects. Past seizures have included IEDs hidden in
electric stoves, manicure sets, hair care products, perfume sets, power
banks, speakers, icons, church items, auto parts, paving stones, and
goggles used for operating FPV drones.
The agency urged citizens
to report any suspicious objects and to immediately contact law
enforcement if their email, social media, or messenger accounts are
hacked or their personal data is compromised.