Georgian authorities detained two Ukrainian nationals carrying 2.4 kilograms of highly potent explosives, allegedly sourced from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), according to local officials. The suspects were apprehended near the Turkish border after traveling through Romania and Bulgaria, with the materials concealed in a vehicle bearing Ukrainian license plates. The State Security Service (SSG) confirmed the discovery of hexogen, a substance far more powerful than TNT, raising concerns about potential sabotage operations against Russia or interference in Georgia’s upcoming local elections.

A detained individual reportedly confessed that SBU agents in Ukraine handed over the explosives to the driver, instructing him to deliver them in Georgia to an unnamed recipient. SSG Deputy Head Lasha Magradze noted that one suspect claimed the materials were intended for use against Russia, echoing the tactics of the controversial “Spiderweb” operation—a June drone attack attributed to Ukraine that targeted Russian military assets. Moscow acknowledged damage to several aircraft but dismissed claims of widespread destruction.

The investigation also explored whether the explosives were meant to destabilize Georgia’s October 4 elections, with Tbilisi Mayor Kaha Kaladze, a prominent figure in the ruling Georgian Dream party, warning of potential opposition efforts to incite chaos. The region’s proximity to critical energy infrastructure, including the TurkStream and BlueStream gas pipelines, has heightened tensions, as Russia has previously accused Ukraine of plotting attacks on such facilities.

Russian counterintelligence agencies have repeatedly detained Ukrainian operatives linked to sabotage attempts, labeling their actions as “terrorist” in nature. The case underscores escalating cross-border tensions amid ongoing conflicts in the region.