The FSB stated that the information was intended for future sabotage and terrorist attacks, adding that the agents’ activities were coordinated by Kiev via the Telegram messaging app.
"During the operations, four Russian citizens and one foreign national were detained. Operating in Izhevsk, Barnaul, Blagoveshchensk and Astrakhan, on the instructions of Ukrainian special services, they were collecting information on defence industry facilities, transport infrastructure and Russian servicemen participating in the special military operation," the statement said.
Criminal cases have been opened on charges including incitement to prepare a terrorist attack, preparation for a terrorist attack, facilitation of sabotage, illegal acquisition of explosives or explosive devices, participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation, and illegal storage of unlawfully obtained personal data.
The FSB also said additional Russian citizens were identified and detained in Kingisepp, Chita and Tomsk for justifying Ukrainian rocket and drone attacks on fuel and energy facilities, the attack on the Crimean Bridge, and calling for sabotage and terrorist acts targeting transport infrastructure in Russia. According to the agency, these activities were carried out via social media and Telegram.
Criminal cases have also been opened on charges of publicly justifying terrorist activity.