In a press release on Monday, the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) reported its successful intervention in a thwarted attack against a prominent leader in Crimea. The FSB claims that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) orchestrated the attempted attack, which it categorizes as an “act of terrorism” without disclosing the identity of the targeted official.

The FSB stated that it had apprehended a group of Russians who were allegedly following instructions from the SBU in Simferopol. The group was allegedly planning to detonate an anti-tank mine under the intended victim’s car, according to information gathered by the TASS agency.

The arrests include individuals named VA. Bodnar, OV. Shevchenko, and Ananieva VV, who have reportedly confessed their intentions to carry out the attack in Crimea. Crimea, located in southern Ukraine but annexed by Russia in 2014, has been a source of ongoing tensions.

The Russian authorities have initiated an investigation into the alleged attempt to commit a terrorist act, as well as the charges of acquiring, transporting, selling, and storing explosives, all of which are serious offenses under the country’s Penal Code.