Online recruitment ended in handcuffs: a 21-year-old terrorist was detained in Bucha

Double explosion in Bucha: the SBU detained a 21-year-old agent of the Russian Federation who was forced to plant bombs under threats to kill his mother

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23 Mar 2026

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The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the National Police, promptly detained the perpetrator of the terrorist attack in the city of Bucha, in the Kyiv region, which occurred on the morning of March 23, 2026. According to the investigation, the attack was carried out by a 21-year-old local resident who was recruited by Russian special services via the Internet — in particular through communication in a computer game.

According to case materials, at 05:35 a report about an explosion on one of the streets of the district center was received by the 112 emergency line. When emergency services arrived, a second explosion occurred — meaning the devices were placed specifically to cause additional casualties among rescuers and law enforcement. Two police officers were injured as a result of the terrorist attack.

Investigators established that the suspect received instructions from handlers on how to make two improvised explosive devices. Each was equipped with a mobile phone for remote detonation. He concealed one bomb under a bench near the entrance to the apartment building, and the other next to a garbage container.

Law enforcement detained the perpetrator “hot on the trail” within several hours after the crime. According to preliminary information, the Russian handlers acted by intimidation: the young man was blackmailed with claims that they knew the whereabouts of his mother and were allegedly watching her with a drone. They threatened to kill the woman if he did not follow orders.

A pre-trial investigation is currently underway under Part 2 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — terrorist act. Procedural supervision is being carried out by the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office. Investigators are identifying all involved persons and the channels of communication with Russian special services.

The SBU urges citizens to be extremely vigilant and to report suspicious contacts or items, as well as attempts at recruitment via social networks or online games.