Russian Intelligence: Explosives in German Packages
The Russian domestic intelligence service FSB claims to have discovered explosives and detonators in packages from Germany and Italy in St. Petersburg. The FSB also released a video that allegedly shows explosives experts extracting hidden components from German manufacturer's shock absorbers. The footage and FSB's statements were not verifiable.
According to the FSB, there was a channel for auto parts delivery through a transportation company that brought the packages to Russia. Several arrests have been made, the FSB announced without providing details.
The investigated and arrested suspects were allegedly led and instigated from Ukraine, it was further stated. The FSB held Vice Chief of the Presidential Administration in Kiev, Roman Maschowez, responsible for planning terror attacks in Russia. Russia has issued a wanted notice for Maschowez.
According to the Presidential Administration in Kiev, he is a recognized military intelligence expert. Since July 2014, he organized military and technical assistance for the Ukrainian army. He was one of the founders of the Ukrainian special forces and has been the deputy head of the office of President Volodymyr Zelensky since 2020. In his own words, the FSB also informed European intelligence services and requested assistance in identifying the masterminds behind terrorist and sabotage acts in Russia. The requests have not been answered yet, it was stated.
Russian authorities frequently accuse Ukraine of organizing attacks. During the Moscow's armed aggression against Ukraine, there were repeated explosives attacks in Russia, including against pro-Kremlin propagandists and railway infrastructure. Saboteurs occasionally carry out explosives attacks on railway infrastructure to disrupt the supply of reinforcements for the Russian troops in Ukraine.
The FSB mentioned that the multiple arrested suspects were under the influence of instructions from Ukraine. The explosive packages, originating from Germany and Italy, were part of a secret service operation, according to the Russian claims. Despite the arrests, the masterminds behind the alleged terrorist acts remain at large, as requested assistance from European intelligence services has not been received.
