Russia Arrests Nine Suspected Ukrainian Spies Plotting Drone Attacks

The Federal Security Service of Russia arrested nine individuals on Friday for alleged espionage and planning attacks on behalf of Ukrainian special services. The operation targeted two separate groups involved in distinct intelligence and sabotage activities.

Eight of the detainees are accused of plotting an attack on a strategic defense enterprise in the Moscow region. Russian authorities claim the group intended to use 35 explosive-laden drones that were smuggled into the country from the European Union.

In a separate incident, security forces detained a foreign national in the Murmansk region as he attempted to cross the border into Norway. This individual is suspected of scouting administrative buildings in Moscow and monitoring trains transporting petroleum products at a Moscow railway station.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has not yet commented on the detentions.