MOSCOW, March 7. /TASS/. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has neutralized a Belarusian citizen who was preparing to carry out an act of terrorism in the Karelia Region in far northwestern Russia on instructions from Ukrainian intelligence services, the FSB press office told TASS.
"The Karelia branch of the Federal Security Service thwarted the preparation of a terrorist act planned by the Ukrainian special services. They recruited a Belarusian citizen, born in 1974, who was a member of the nationalist formation Kastus Kalinovsky Regiment, which is banned in Belarus, and was on the interstate wanted list," the press office said.
"Acting on the instructions of his handlers, he took a weapon and an improvised explosive device from out a cache specially prepared for him for the purpose of blowing up one of the municipal administrative buildings of the city of Olonets. When apprehended, the perpetrator opened fire with a firearm at the security services and was neutralized," the FSB said.
No security officers or civilians were injured, the press office added. "A ready-to-use improvised explosive device made on the basis of (UK-made) PE-8 plastic explosives, a (US-made) M-6 electric detonator, and a household timer, as well as a Makarov pistol and ammunition for it were seized at the scene," the statement said. According to the press office, it was established that the agent of the Ukrainian intelligence services had "gathered and transmitted information about transport infrastructure facilities and regional executive authorities."
The regional investigative department opened a criminal case under Articles 30 and 205 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Preparation of a Terrorist Act").