Russian law enforcement agents have detained a gunman who was planning to assassinate a high-ranking military officer in St. Petersburg at the behest of Ukrainian intelligence, according to the Federal Security Service (FSB).
In a statement released on Friday, the FSB reported that the suspect contacted a Ukrainian recruiter via Telegram and volunteered to carry out a “terrorist attack in support of the Kiev regime.”
Acting on instructions from a handler, he was provided with a firearm, conducted reconnaissance near the target’s home address, and prepared for the assassination. The FSB did not disclose details about the intended victim, but the suspect claimed to hold the rank of lieutenant colonel.
During the arrest, officers seized a loaded Makarov pistol fitted with a silent shooting device. The agency also released footage showing multiple operatives pinning the suspect to the ground on a snow-covered street.
Additionally, the FSB warned Russian citizens that Ukrainian security services are actively searching online—including through Telegram and WhatsApp—for potential recruits to carry out attacks and acts of sabotage. It stated that anyone found cooperating with “Kiev” could face a life sentence.
Russian authorities have accused Ukraine of orchestrating numerous sabotage and assassination attempts on Russian territory since the escalation of hostilities in 2022, targeting military commanders and other high-profile figures.