Ukrainian authorities have determined that the explosions in Ivano-Frankivsk on 11 March were orchestrated by Russian intelligence services, who remotely detonated explosives carried by two teenage recruits.
The attack resulted in the death of a 17-year-old boy and left a 15-year-old critically injured. Two passers-by were also wounded in the blast.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police announced that the teenagers had been recruited through Russian Telegram channels, where they were lured with promises of easy money.
Investigators found that the 15-year-old and 17-year-old, both residents of Ivano-Frankivsk, were instructed by Russian handlers to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The devices were disguised as thermoses and assembled in a rented apartment near the city’s railway station.
Remote Detonation by Russian Operatives
According to law enforcement officials, the boys were promised a payment of $1,700 for their work. One of the explosives was to be planted at a designated location in the city.
However, as the teenagers were en route to their target around 18:30, Russian operatives remotely detonated the device in their possession.
The explosion killed the 17-year-old instantly, severely injuring the 15-year-old. A 20-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, who were nearby, sustained injuries from the blast.
Almost simultaneously, Russian agents triggered a second explosion in the rented apartment where the IEDs had been assembled. Ukrainian authorities believe this was an intentional move to eliminate evidence and sever ties to the operation.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
The surviving 15-year-old is now facing multiple charges under Ukraine’s Criminal Code, including terrorism, which carries a potential life sentence with confiscation of property.
Investigators are also examining the involvement of two 15-year-old girls who may have played a role in the attack’s preparation.
The SBU has issued a public warning, urging heightened vigilance against Russian recruitment tactics. The agency emphasised that Russian intelligence services are exploiting their own agents, using them for operations before discarding them to eliminate potential witnesses.
Escalation of Hybrid Warfare Tactics
The incident in Ivano-Frankivsk highlights a growing trend in Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy against Ukraine. By targeting young individuals with financial incentives, Russian intelligence aims to conduct terror operations while avoiding direct involvement.
Ukrainian security agencies are intensifying efforts to counteract such tactics and have called on citizens to report any suspicious activity.
The attack follows a series of similar attempts by Russian operatives to destabilise Ukrainian cities through covert terrorist activities. Authorities continue to monitor potential threats and are working to dismantle Russian recruitment networks operating through social media and encrypted messaging platforms.
The investigation remains ongoing as security forces seek to uncover further details about the handlers behind this attack and prevent future incidents of a similar nature.
Image source: SBU
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