MOSCOW, February 19. /TASS/. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has neutralized a Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) agent who was preparing a terrorist attack against a Zaporozhye Region political leader before the upcoming election, the FSB press office told TASS.

"The activity of Russian citizen Vitaly Dyatlenko, recruited by the SBU, who was preparing a terrorist act against one of the political leaders of the Zaporozhye Region before the 2024 presidential election, has been uncovered and suppressed," the press office reported. The planned terrorist act involved an improvised explosive device. The SBU coordinated the activities of the saboteur and supplied him with explosives.

"Vitaly Dyatlenko provided armed resistance to security officers during detention and was neutralized by retaliatory actions. There were no casualties among civilians and law enforcement officers," the press office said.

According to the FSB, a Makarov pistol, ammunition and fired cartridges were found during a post-incident inspection of the scene. At present, search and investigative actions are being carried out. The issue of launching a criminal case is under consideration.