SBU thwarted FSB attempt on defense enterprise director
The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police prevented an attempt on the life of the head of a Ukrainian defense industry enterprise in the Kyiv region. According to the investigation, the FSB planned to blow up the official using explosives placed under the driver's seat of his car.
The improvised explosive device contained 1 kg of hexogen, which, according to the SBU, is equivalent to about 2 kg of TNT. Ukrainian counterintelligence and police detected, removed, and neutralized the explosives in advance.
The device was to be activated remotely. To do this, a disguised mobile phone with an attached power bank was installed opposite the car of the intended victim. It was to provide Russian handlers with a video feed so they could monitor the car and choose the moment for detonation.
Suspect recruited through son
According to the SBU, the direct perpetrator was a 63-year-old pensioner who moved to the capital region from Luhansk Oblast. In February 2026, the FSB allegedly recruited him through his son, who had left the temporarily occupied territory and lives in Russia.
After receiving instructions from Russian special services, the man bought two mobile phones and a power bank. About a month before the attempt, he retrieved other components for the improvised explosive device from a cache, then assembled the bomb and installed it on the car.
Immediately after planting the explosives, the man left by bus for Poland. According to Ukrainian investigators, he planned to travel from there through Belarus to Russia.
Perpetrator found in Warsaw
Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW) separately confirmed the detention of the suspect. According to the Polish side, 63-year-old Ukrainian citizen Serhiy P. was detained in Warsaw on August 5.
ABW specifies that the target of the attempt was a representative of the Ukrainian defense industry in Irpin, Kyiv Oblast. According to Polish investigation materials, the suspect installed an improvised explosive device under the car, which was to be remotely activated via mobile phone.
On August 6, Polish prosecutors charged Serhiy P. with attempted murder using explosives, which, according to the investigation, he possessed illegally. The next day, a court in Warsaw placed him in temporary custody for three months.
Polish security services also noted that the detention was the result of cooperation between ABW and Ukrainian partners and prevented the suspect from using Polish territory for further escape.
Ukraine seeks extradition
Ukrainian investigators and prosecutors have already initiated with Polish law enforcement the issue of extradition of the detainee to Ukraine.
In Ukraine, he was notified in absentia of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 15 and Part 1 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code - completed attempt to commit a terrorist act.
The investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement officers are establishing all circumstances of the preparation of the assassination attempt and possible other persons involved in it.
Sources: Security Service of Ukraine, Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW)
