Schoolgirl saves lives by reporting FSB bombing plot to authorities
- Ukrainian SBU and police thwart a planned terror attack in Ivano-Frankivsk.
- A teenage girl reported a recruitment attempt by the FSB, leading to the discovery of an explosive device plan.
- Authorities documented the plot and remind the public to report suspicious activities through their chatbot.
In recent months, officials from Ukraine's SBU State Security Service, in coordination with the National Police, successfully foiled a terrorist attack planned in Ivano-Frankivsk. The threat was notably neutralized thanks to a courageous 15-year-old local schoolgirl who used the SBU's 'Report an FSB Agent' chatbot to alert authorities about an unusual recruitment attempt. A Russian intelligence operative had targeted her, trying to entice her into cooperation by offering financial incentives through messaging apps. The girl's involvement escalated as she was instructed to construct an improvised explosive device (IED) with specific components, including metal nuts, hidden inside a thermos. The FSB had a chilling plan: the girl was to detonate this device remotely in a crowded city park, which could have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including her own demise, as the operatives sought to eliminate her as a potential witness. Fortunately, Ukrainian law enforcement monitored her interactions and actions closely. When the girl showed reluctance to deliver the device as instructed, the FSB handler resorted to threats, warning of dire consequences should she fail to comply and indicating that he could inform the SBU about her. This case highlighted not just the grave dangers posed by foreign intelligence agencies like the FSB but also the critical role of citizen awareness and vigilance in the fight against terrorism. Currently, a criminal investigation is underway based on Ukraine's Criminal Code concerning war crimes, examining the scope of the FSB's operations and identifying additional Russian nationals involved in this planned attack. The SBU has emphasized the importance of public participation in reporting suspicious activities or recruitment attempts, utilizing their chatbot to foster safety and prevent future threats. Citizens have been urged to remain alert and responsive, ensuring the preservation of peace and security within their communities.