The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has detained two suspected Russian agents in the Chernihiv region who were allegedly preparing to blow up a railway track in an attempt to derail a freight locomotive and disrupt transport logistics in northern Ukraine.

The SSU announced the arrests, according to Ukrinform.

SSU officers detained the suspects in the act as they were heading to the site of the planned sabotage. Investigators said the pair were carrying two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that they intended to place beneath a section of Ukrzaliznytsia railway track.

According to the investigation, the operation was carried out on the orders of Russian handlers by a mobilized serviceman from Kyiv who had gone absent without leave (AWOL) from his military unit. Investigators said he agreed to cooperate with Russia after being contacted through a Telegram channel in exchange for a promise of assistance in illegally leaving Ukraine.

The suspect allegedly recruited an acquaintance – a student at a higher education institution in Kyiv – to assist in the operation.

According to the SSU, the student purchased chemical components, mobile phones, and other materials needed to manufacture the improvised explosive devices.

She then handed the purchased items to her alleged accomplice, who assembled the explosives following instructions from a Russian handler.

Before attempting to plant the devices, the suspects reportedly conducted several reconnaissance trips along the railway line to identify the most vulnerable section for the attack.

During searches of the suspects' temporary residence, investigators seized materials used to manufacture explosives, including chemical substances, laboratory equipment, detonators, and communication devices.

The SSU has notified both suspects that they are under investigation on charges of attempted sabotage committed by a group acting in prior conspiracy under martial law.

Both suspects remain in custody. If convicted, they face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, the SSU recently detained a Russian agent accused of preparing a terrorist attack in central Mykolaiv. The suspect was also a serviceman who had gone absent without leave.