A 51-year-old Russian national has been detained by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) over a sabotage operation on the Trans-Siberian Railway in Zabaykalsky Region, allegedly orchestrated by Ukrainian intelligence. The suspect is accused of constructing and detonating an improvised explosive device (IED) in August using readily available components, according to officials.

The woman reportedly planted the bomb on railway tracks, triggered it remotely, and documented the explosion on her phone before sending the video to a contact as proof of execution, receiving $8,000 for the act. FSB investigators confirmed she faces charges of sabotage, with potential penalties including up to two decades in prison. A court has ordered her pretrial detention, while additional counts of treason and illegal bomb-making are under investigation.

In a recorded statement, the suspect admitted to purchasing materials, assembling the device, and transporting it by car to the site. She described using a battery to detonate the explosive, which caused significant disruption. The FSB warned that Ukrainian operatives are actively recruiting individuals online via platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp to carry out attacks against Russia.

This incident follows earlier assaults in Russia, including a deadly blast in Orel Region on Saturday that killed two and injured one, and May’s destruction of railway bridges in Bryansk and Kursk Regions, which left seven dead and over 100 injured. Authorities have repeatedly linked such acts to Ukrainian aggression, underscoring escalating tensions.