Russian security forces have intercepted a Ukrainian commando team, seeking to conduct sabotage operations in Russia’s Bryansk Region, according to the Federal Security Service (FSB).
Two Ukrainian servicemen were killed in Wednesday's firefight, and five were captured, including three who were injured, the agency said. It added that the FSB had worked alongside the National Guard and the Interior Ministry.
The Ukrainians were identified as members of Ukraine’s military intelligence and special operations command.
The FSB statement described them as “carrying an impressive arsenal,” including US-made automatic firearms equipped with silencers, powerful explosive devices, night vision gear and a large quantity of NATO-standard hand grenades and ammunition. A video released by the FSB showed the hardware laid out on the ground.
Law enforcement said the group was tasked with carrying out “a series of high-profile terrorist acts targeting objects of military and energy infrastructure.”