GRU agent who manufactured explosive devices for terrorist attacks in Zaporizhzhia sentenced to 15 years in prison

A russian military intelligence (GRU) agent who was preparing homemade bombs for terrorist attacks in Zaporizhzhia was sentenced to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property. It was reported by the SSU.

According to the report, SSU officers detained the suspect in March 2025.

The investigation revealed that a local drug addict, recruited by the enemy, was carrying out orders from the aggressor state, the russian federation. He came to the attention of russian intelligence officers while searching for easy money on Telegram channels.

In exchange for the promise of “quick” side jobs, the agent began assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs), reinforcing them with metal nuts and bolts to increase their destructive power.

To do this, following instructions from the russians, he purchased chemical components, construction materials, and other supplies needed to manufacture bombs at home.

The perpetrator was supposed to hide the finished IEDs in caches within and around a frontline city, and then send the corresponding coordinates to his handler in russia.

The russian intelligence officer also instructed his accomplice to carry out information and subversive activities in favor of the aggressor country.

To this end, the traitor distributed provocative leaflets throughout the city, aimed at destabilizing the internal situation in the south of Ukraine.

During a search, authorities seized a canister of solvent, other chemical components, and additional explosive materials for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the detainee, as well as mobile phones used to communicate with the enemy.

Based on evidence provided by the Security Service, the court found the agent guilty of treason committed under martial law (Part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, the SSU had previously detained a russian “double” agent who was coordinating the shelling of Sloviansk.