Russia's FSB Foils Terrorist Plot on Sverdlovsk Railway

FSB Announces Prevention of Terrorist Act

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has reported the prevention of a planned terrorist act in the Sverdlovsk region. On January 27, 2026, the FSB's Center for Public Relations announced the detention of three Russian citizens suspected of preparing an attack on a transport infrastructure facility. The individuals, born in 1979, 1981, and 1984, were apprehended in connection with the alleged plot.

Details of the Foiled Plot

According to the FSB, the detained individuals were planning to commit arson at a railway transport infrastructure facility in the Sverdlovsk region. Specifically, reports indicate the target was railway relay cabinets. The suspects are alleged to have acted on the instructions of Ukrainian special services. It was stated that the individuals 'initiatively established contact' with a representative of Ukrainian special services via the Telegram messenger, from whom they received instructions for carrying out the attack.

Detentions and Seized Evidence

During searches at the residences of the detained individuals, law enforcement officers seized various items of evidence. These included:

• Communication devices containing correspondence with their alleged handler.
• Instructions for the preparation of incendiary devices.
• Components necessary for manufacturing improvised incendiary devices.

The FSB released video footage related to the detentions, which reportedly showed one of the detainees admitting to being asked to photograph railway relay cabinets and subsequently to set one of them on fire.

Legal Ramifications

Following the detentions, the Investigative Department of the FSB of Russia for the Sverdlovsk region initiated a criminal case. The charges are based on 'preparation for a terrorist act' under Part 1 of Article 30 and Part 2 of Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. This offense carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years of imprisonment. Additionally, the FSB is reportedly gathering evidence to potentially qualify the actions of the detainees under Article 275 of the Criminal Code, pertaining to 'state treason,' which could result in a sentence of life imprisonment. The court has ordered the suspects to be held in custody.