An explosive device under a car: a man was injured in a terrorist attack in Odesa — the perpetrator was caught within a day

The SBU and the National Police said they had arrested a Russian agent “hot on the trail” within 24 hours. On the morning of February 16, 2026, the man carried out a terrorist attack in Odesa: he made an improvised explosive device and planted it under the chassis of an SUV parked near the entrance to an apartment building. The vehicle’s owner, who was nearby, was injured in the explosion.

According to the investigation, the perpetrator was a 33-year-old unemployed man recruited by the enemy, who came to the attention of Russian intelligence services while looking for “easy money” in Telegram channels. After being recruited, he allegedly received instructions from a handler in Russia on how to make an explosive device from readily available materials, bought components at hardware stores, equipped the bomb with a mobile phone for remote detonation, and conducted reconnaissance at the site before the attack. Investigators also believe that a disguised smartphone was placed near the car: the occupiers used it to monitor the area around the “target” and remotely trigger the explosion.

During searches, components for making an IED and phones the suspect used to contact his Russian handler were reportedly seized. He is currently in custody and faces up to 12 years in prison, with confiscation of his property.

As a reminder, we previously reported: