A man accused of working with Ukrainian intelligence has been arrested in Russia for allegedly attempting to poison Russian military pilots.
According to Russian authorities, the suspect tried to carry out the plan using whiskey and cake laced with toxic substances.
The incident reportedly took place at a Russian airbase where the man is said to have delivered the tainted gifts as part of a planned attack. The targeted individuals were pilots believed to be involved in air operations linked to the war in Ukraine.
Officials claim the man managed to gain access to the base under false pretenses, presenting himself in a non-threatening manner to avoid suspicion. The food and drink were allegedly presented as a gesture of goodwill, making the act harder to detect initially.
Russian security services announced they discovered the poisoning attempt before anyone could consume the items. Forensic tests reportedly confirmed the presence of hazardous chemicals. The details of how the authorities were tipped off or whether the suspect acted alone have not yet been made public.
The man is currently in Russian custody and faces serious charges. Authorities say he confessed to carrying out the plot on orders from Ukrainian intelligence, although these claims have not been independently verified. Kyiv has not issued a statement in response to the accusations.
This case adds to a growing list of incidents tied to the broader conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The use of unconventional tactics, such as poisoning, suggests that both sides are engaged in covert strategies beyond the battlefield. The investigation is ongoing.