(MENAFN) Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has thwarted an alleged Ukrainian-organized assassination attempt targeting a high-ranking Russian Defense Ministry official in Crimea.

According to a statement released Monday, the FSB detained a 25-year-old woman with dual Russian and Ukrainian citizenship who was reportedly recruited by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). She was allegedly ordered to carry out a car bombing in May 2025, ahead of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. The identity of the intended target has not been disclosed.

The agency stated that the woman received an explosive device from her Ukrainian handlers, intended to be used to blow up the official's vehicle. Components of the Western-manufactured bomb were recovered during her arrest. The FSB added that it had identified the SBU operatives involved in her recruitment and preparation.

A brief video clip released by the FSB shows the suspect, her face blurred, being escorted by security officers. She now faces the possibility of a life sentence if convicted.

Ukrainian forces have previously been linked to multiple targeted attacks on Russian military personnel and public figures, as well as sabotage operations that have caused civilian casualties. High-profile assassinations include that of Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik, killed by a car bomb in the Moscow Region in April, and Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, who died in a December explosion outside his Moscow home. Russian authorities have attributed both incidents to Ukrainian operatives.

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