Russia Arrests Nine Over Alleged Ukraine-Linked Attack Plans

Russian authorities have arrested nine people in separate cases involving alleged plans to target strategic infrastructure and government sites, according to state news agencies citing the Federal Security Service (FSB).

In the first case, eight suspects were detained for allegedly preparing an attack on a strategic defence enterprise in the Moscow region. The TASS news agency reported that investigators found 35 drones equipped with explosives, which authorities said had been smuggled into Russia from the European Union.

Russian security officials allege that the group intended to use the explosive-laden drones to strike the defence-related facility. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the identities of the suspects or provided further details about the alleged target.

In a separate incident, a foreign national was detained in Russia's northwestern Murmansk region, according to the RIA state news agency. The individual, whose nationality was not disclosed, was reportedly planning to cross the border into Norway.

The FSB also accused the detainee of gathering intelligence on trains transporting petroleum products at a railway station in Moscow. Authorities further alleged that the individual had monitored administrative buildings and other strategic infrastructure in the Russian capital.

According to Russian state media, all nine detainees were allegedly working on behalf of Ukrainian special services. Moscow has repeatedly announced the detention of individuals accused of cooperating with Ukrainian intelligence or participating in alleged sabotage and reconnaissance operations since the conflict intensified.

The latest arrests come as Russian authorities continue to tighten security around military facilities, transport networks, energy infrastructure and government buildings. Allegations involving drone attacks and intelligence gathering have become a recurring feature of Russia's broader security campaign amid the ongoing war with Ukraine.

Ukraine had not publicly commented on the reported arrests at the time of publication. The claims made by Russian authorities could not be independently verified.