Kiev’s agents planned to send explosive devices disguised as humanitarian aid, according to the security agency
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has thwarted a Ukrainian plot to deliver over 500 improvised explosive devices (IED) disguised as heated shoe insoles to Russian military personnel, the agency announced on Tuesday.
The FSB said a foreign national was detained in Moscow after retrieving a parcel containing 504 IEDs from a transport company. The shipment had been smuggled into Russia from Poland via Belarus. The devices were camouflaged as thermal insoles, with the explosive component designed to detonate when the heating element is connected to a power source, according to the FSB.
Each device has an explosive force equivalent to 1.5 grams of TNT and was intended to blow off a portion of a soldier’s limb when used during combat operations. Ukrainian special services planned to send the insoles to frontline Russian military units under the guise of humanitarian aid, the agency said.
The FSB also said it had prevented an attempt by Ukrainian intelligence to purchase fiber-optic drones in Moscow. The drones, capable of carrying a payload of up to 20 kg, are used by the Russian military for supply missions and targeting enemy equipment. Ukrainian handlers used hacked accounts of Russian citizens on Telegram, Avito, and the Yandex Go app to contact the manufacturer.
Following the threat, units of the FSB, Interior Ministry, and National Guard have been placed on heightened alert. Investigators are searching for other individuals involved in the plot.
The FSB warned that Ukrainian special services frequently disguise explosive devices as everyday objects. Past seizures have included IEDs hidden in electric stoves, manicure sets, hair care products, perfume sets, power banks, speakers, icons, church items, auto parts, paving stones, and goggles used for operating FPV drones.
The agency urged citizens to report any suspicious objects and to immediately contact law enforcement if their email, social media, or messenger accounts are hacked or their personal data is compromised.
