**Russia Claims to Have Foiled a Belarussian-Sourced Terror Plot Linked to Ukraine’s SBU**
In a move that has raised eyebrows, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) claims to have detained a Belarusian citizen accused of gathering intelligence and planning a terrorist act on behalf of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). According to an official statement released by the FSB on April 18, the individual was caught in Krasnodar Krai, a region located in southern Russia.
**The Detainee’s Confession**
In a video released by Russian state-run RIA Novosti, the detainee, whose identity has not been disclosed and face blurred, claimed to have been recruited online in December 2024. He stated that he was tasked with collecting information about Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and Armed Forces’ deployment in Krasnodar Krai, as well as carrying out attacks.
The FSB alleges that the detainee retrieved an improvised explosive device weighing 2.5 kilograms from a hiding place under orders from his handler. He reportedly planned to bomb an administrative building in Novorossiysk. The man also recited a script in which he stated that the attack was orchestrated by Ukrainian security services “to disrupt negotiations between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine” and escalate the conflict.
**Criticisms of Russia’s Security Services**
Russia’s security services have a long history of facing criticism for their methods, particularly the FSB. Human rights groups and former detainees have consistently raised concerns about fabricated charges and forced statements extracted through coercion, intimidation, and even torture. This latest case is unlikely to alleviate those concerns.
**Other Developments in Ukraine-Russia Conflict**
In other news related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian airline SkyUp Airlines has made its first regular flight since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, flying on the Chisinau-Paris route on April 18. The move is seen as a sign of resilience by Ukraine’s aviation industry.
U.S. officials have expressed optimism about reaching tangible progress in the conflict soon, while European participants have pushed Washington to prepare a harsher response if Moscow fails to engage. The Ukrainian government has also published the text of a recently signed memorandum outlining a pending minerals agreement with the United States.
**Global Reaction**
The international community continues to watch developments in Ukraine-Russia conflict closely. China has denied claims that it provided lethal weapons to any party involved in the war, while Russia’s Supreme Court removed its designation of the Taliban as a terrorist organization on April 17.
