Law enforcement officials apprehended two Russian agents who created and detonated an improvised explosive device near the Territorial Center for Staffing and Social Support in Berdichev, Zhytomyr Oblast.
According to reports from the Security Service of Ukraine, the terrorist act occurred on December 24. The perpetrator was detained within two hours after committing the crime. On the same day, his accomplice was also uncovered; she personally manufactured the explosives based on instructions from a handler in Russia.
"The executor of the terrorist act turned out to be a 41-year-old displaced person from Mariupol, who had previously served time for robbery, theft, and drug offenses. The explosive device was made by a 23-year-old drug addict from Berdichev, who came to the attention of the occupiers while searching for money for her 'dose' on Telegram channels," the report stated.
According to the security service, the woman manufactured the explosive device under the instructions of her handler, camouflaging it in a food container and filling it with metal balls from bearings to enhance its destructive capability. She handed the completed explosives to the recidivist who arrived in Berdichev to carry out an enemy mission.
"After their meeting, the criminal hid the explosive device in a bag and left it under the door of the TCK. After moving to a 'safe' distance from the explosive device, the terrorist remotely detonated it using a mobile phone and a homemade electric detonator attached to the explosives," the SBU noted, adding that, by coincidence, no one was harmed as a result of the incident.
Law enforcement officials arrested the recidivist while he was returning to Kyiv on a scheduled bus, where he planned to "lie low." His accomplice was apprehended at the residence of her partner in Berdichev.
Investigators informed them of their suspicion under Part 2 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (terrorist act committed by a group of individuals by prior conspiracy). The criminals are currently in custody. They face up to 12 years in prison with asset confiscation.
Terrorist Act at the TCK Building in Dnipro
On December 14, an explosion occurred near the TCK and SP building in the central district of Dnipro, resulting in one death and four injuries, including two police officers.
The SBU announced the arrest of a man who detonated an improvised explosive device near the TCK building. He was informed of his suspicion under Part 3 of Article 258 (terrorist act) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The man was remanded in custody without the right to bail.