Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Friday, February 8 that it had detained four women in Russia and Crimea, accusing them of working for Ukrainian intelligence.

According to the FSB, the women were recruited by Ukrainian secret services to carry out attacks on senior Russian Defence Ministry officials and critical infrastructure in the fuel and energy sectors. The agency also claimed they had received weapons training in Ukraine.

Authorities said explosives, electronic detonators, bomb-making instructions, and communication devices linked to Kyiv were seized from their residences. If convicted, the suspects could face up to 30 years in prison.

The FSB frequently reports alleged Ukrainian sabotage and terrorist plots, though these claims cannot be independently verified.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, there have been multiple incidents of sabotage on railway lines and infrastructure, as well as targeted assassinations of pro-war figures.