Russian security service FSB says it has detained a 19-year-old Ukrainian man accused of disguising himself as a “babushka” (granny) while attempting to assassinate a senior defence plant official in St Petersburg.
According to investigators, the suspect collected an explosive device hidden inside a cemetery before changing into a long skirt and headscarf. He allegedly attached the device to the underside of the target’s car around 6am but was caught by intelligence officers before he could escape.
According to Daily Mail, two women, described as members of the same spy ring, were also arrested while trying to flee to the airport. Authorities claim one worked as a hairdresser and the other as a pet groomer.
In a confession video released by the FSB, the teenager admitted he had been recruited via Telegram and given instructions by Ukraine’s military intelligence. He described the device as a “black power bank-shaped” object fitted with magnets.
All three detainees now face possible life sentences under Russia’s terrorism laws. Officials have not released their names or the identity of the defence plant official who was allegedly targeted.