Russia Claims It Thwarted Ukrainian Plot Involving Rigged Drone Goggles
Russia's FSB claims to have thwarted a Ukrainian operation targeting front-line drone operators with explosive-rigged FPV goggles disguised as humanitarian aid.
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) claims to have thwarted a Ukrainian intelligence operation involving explosive-rigged FPV drone goggles sent to Russian front-line operators under the guise of humanitarian aid. According to Moscow, the alleged scheme mirrors last year's pager explosions targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon.
FSB Interception and Investigation
Russian security officials stated that the plot was uncovered after a soldier in the Volgograd region grew suspicious of FPV goggles received from a volunteer and handed them over to bomb disposal experts. Investigators reportedly found that cooling fans inside the devices had been replaced with improvised explosive devices. Similar shipments were subsequently intercepted across multiple Russian regions.
Russian authorities launched a criminal case covering preparations for a terrorist act and the illegal manufacturing of explosives, while a manhunt is underway for suspects. The FSB asserted that Ukrainian operatives used Telegram to pose as Russian patriots, coordinating anonymous donations through local volunteers.
Volunteer Accounts and Prior Incidents
Volunteers interviewed by foreign media confirmed handling packages delivered by individuals posing as donors. One volunteer recounted being intercepted by FSB officers upon collecting a package from a contact named Daria, who warned her that the equipment contained explosives.
According to the FSB, this was not an isolated incident. Russian security services claimed to have thwarted a similar attempt in July involving explosive devices disguised as perfume gift sets intended for military personnel and defense industry workers, resulting in the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect. Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the allegations.
