Ukraine security service detains teen over alleged Russian bomb plot

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) announced on October 12, 2026, that it had foiled an alleged Russian plot to bomb a bus carrying Ukrainian soldiers in the northwestern city of Rivne. A 19-year-old student was detained in connection with the incident.

According to the SBU, the suspect planted an improvised explosive device under a bus intended to transport "an entire unit" of soldiers. A camera disguised as a juice box was allegedly installed to monitor the vehicle, with the intention of detonating the bomb as the soldiers boarded and moved to their deployment location.

The SBU stated that the suspect was recruited by Russian intelligence services through Telegram channels offering financial incentives. After arriving in Rivne, he reportedly collected explosives from a designated hiding place and planted the device, which was reinforced with flammable liquid.

SBU officers discovered the plot, neutralized the explosives, and apprehended the suspect at the city's bus station as he attempted to travel to Kyiv. His phone was seized, which the SBU claims he used to report the planted device to his Russian handler.

The Rivne Regional Prosecutor's Office confirmed the suspect has been formally notified of suspicion for attempted terrorism and ordered detained without bail. If convicted, he faces up to eight years in prison and potential property confiscation.

The SBU also mentioned foiling previous alleged terrorist plots by Russian intelligence in Rivne this year, targeting a park and administrative buildings.