Camilla Jessen
Russian authorities say they’ve arrested a group of teenagers accused of planning attacks on police during Victory Day.
Russian security forces have detained nine residents of Stavropol Krai over allegations that they planned to attack police officers during Victory Day celebrations on May 9, according to a statement by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) released on May 19.
The arrests, which were also confirmed by the Russian Investigative Committee, center around claims that a teenager from the Andropovsky district joined an unspecified international terrorist organization through the Telegram messaging app.
Authorities states that this individual then recruited eight others, including seven minors aged 14 to 16, to carry out the planned attack.
This was reported by The Kyiv Independent.
Attack Linked to Victory Day Events
Russia’s Victory Day marks the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe and is one of the country’s most important holidays, typically featuring large-scale military parades and public ceremonies.
Authorities say the alleged plot targeted police during celebrations in a municipality in southwestern Stavropol Krai.
According to the FSB, the suspects were planning the attack “on behalf of a terrorist group,” though no group was named.
The agency claims to have prevented the attack in time, and all suspects are currently in custody awaiting trial.
No Independent Verification
As of now, independent verification of the allegations has not been possible, and Russian authorities have not provided evidence publicly linking the teens to any terrorist organization.
The FSB’s announcement did not detail the exact nature of the planned attack, nor any weapons or materials seized.