Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has dismantled a neo-Nazi cell that was plotting to assassinate officials from the country’s media regulator, Roskomnadzor. The suspects, some of whom were minors, were allegedly directed by Ukrainian intelligence to prepare car bombs and gather personal data on the agency’s top brass.
The ringleader was killed in a shootout, and investigators seized weapons, grenades, homemade explosives, and neo-Nazi imagery from the hideouts. A total of seven group members were apprehended in raids across multiple Russian cities.
The suspects testified that they were gathering and sharing personal information about Roskomnadzor head Andrey Lipov and his deputies and discussed ways to attack their cars.
The FSB alleged that the network was targeting Roskomnadzor officials over the agency’s role in restricting the use of foreign-based apps, particularly the Telegram messenger service.
Among the suspects are several minors, who have regularly been the target of recruitment efforts by Ukrainian intelligence services in recent years using grooming and blackmail, often through the Telegram messenger.
RT correspondent Murad Gazdiev has compiled a full report on the investigation, Ukraine’s continued recruitment activities, and Russia’s efforts to get Telegram to take action against destructive content on its platform.
Watch the full report below.
Six people were injured early on Saturday when a Ukrainian drone hit a residential building in central Ekaterinburg, about 1,800 km inside Russia, according to regional Governor Denis Pasler. He added that fifty residents were evacuated due to safety concerns.
Moscow has repeatedly highlighted that Kiev is attacking civilians because it cannot halt Russian advances on the battlefield.
One woman was hospitalized following the attack, Pasler said. He added that none of those who sought medical help were in serious condition and that most were diagnosed with mild smoke inhalation; they have continued to receive care.
The governor noted that emergency services were working at the scene, stressing that a “carpet” emergency plan had been introduced in the region and that air defense systems were operating.
Russia’s aviation authority earlier reported temporary restrictions on arrivals and departures at the city’s Koltsovo Airport.
Pasler also urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, advising them not to go outside, and reminded the public that publishing photos or videos of drones or their aftermath is prohibited.
Moscow has accused Kiev of resorting to terrorist tactics and inflicting damage to third parties not involved in the conflict between the two nations.
The Kremlin has also noted that US-mediated talks with Ukraine had been placed on hold due to the war in the Middle East.
