Ukrainian music speaker bomb plot foiled – FSB
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Saturday it had thwarted a Ukrainian plot to assassinate a prominent military blogger and a high-ranking Russian officer using an improvised explosive device (IED) disguised as a portable music speaker.
The suspect, identified as a Russian citizen, was allegedly recruited by Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) through social media. According to the FSB, Ukrainian operatives contacted the man via a messaging app after monitoring his public comments online.
He claimed Ukraine provided him with the bomb, which was stashed in a hidden cache. The initial plan, according to investigators, was to target a blogger covering the Ukraine conflict by planting the IED under their car or near the gate of their home. However, the suspect reportedly fell ill, causing the plan to be postponed.
Later, the Ukrainians allegedly redirected him to assassinate a senior Russian military officer. The FSB said the suspect was apprehended while stalking the new target.
The explosive device, estimated to have the power of 1.5 kilograms of TNT, was fitted with ball bearings for added lethality and designed to attach magnetically to surfaces. Images released by the FSB show the bomb disguised as a portable speaker. Russian law enforcement used a robotic system to safely recover and dismantle it.
The FSB has linked the plot to a broader campaign of assassination attempts it claims are orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence. Earlier in the week, the agency reported foiling additional attacks, including one involving a bomb disguised as an award meant for a Russian activist.
This month, a high-profile bombing in Russia killed General Igor Kirillov and his aide. Investigators allege that the explosive, concealed inside an e-scooter handle, was remotely detonated by Ukrainian agents as the officers walked past.
The FSB said its operations have disrupted ongoing threats but emphasized that Ukraine’s intelligence services are actively targeting Russian figures. Ukraine has not commented on the claims.
