The Security Service of Ukraine apprehended two saboteurs for detonating a railway track in the Khmelnytsky region.

Law enforcement officials have apprehended two saboteurs who detonated a track on a local railway line that was being used by a freight train. The suspects were detained a few hours after the crime was committed. They face life imprisonment for their actions. This was reported on January 8 by the press service of the police and SBU.

According to the investigation, the perpetrators were two residents of the Khmelnytskyi region, aged 28 and 29. Acting under the direction of Russian handlers, the men installed and detonated an improvised explosive device on the tracks between the stations. Their aim was to derail the freight train that was passing through that section of the railway.

“As a result of the incident, no one was harmed. The train driver managed to stop the train in time, and after the railway track was repaired, the freight convoy continued to its destination,” – reported the SBU.

During their escape, the men changed vehicles and switched to another car to cover their tracks. However, law enforcement located them within a few hours, and during a search, they seized elements of explosives and mobile phones containing evidence of the sabotage.

“As it turned out, one of the criminals was a drug addict, while the other was a deserter who had left his military unit without permission and was in hiding. Both young men came to the attention of the FSB while seeking easy earnings on thematic Telegram channels,” – the SBU added.

The detainees have been charged under part 2 of Article 113 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (sabotage committed under martial law). The men are currently in custody and face life imprisonment along with asset confiscation.