A Russian military intelligence (GRU) agent who assembled improvised explosive devices (IEDs) intended for terrorist attacks in Zaporizhzhia has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property, based on evidence collected by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU).
According to the SSU press service, cited by Ukrinform, the agent was arrested in March 2025.
The investigation found that the local drug addict came to the attention of Russian GRU operatives while searching for easy money through Telegram channels.
"In exchange for promises of quick earnings, the agent began assembling IEDs, reinforcing them with metal nuts and bolts to increase their destructive effect. Following instructions from the Russian operatives, he purchased chemical components, construction materials, and other items needed to manufacture the bombs at home," the SSU said.
The suspect was instructed to hide the completed explosive devices in caches across Zaporizhzhia and its surrounding areas and then send the coordinates of those locations to his Russian handler.
