Belarusian Man Sentenced To 25 Years For Planning A Terrorist Attack In Russia
- 10.09.2026, 20:02
He was allegedly planning a terrorist attack on behalf of the SBU.
A Belarusian citizen was sentenced to 25 years in prison for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack in Novorossiysk on behalf of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), according to a press release from the Southern District Military Court.
According to the court, in December 2024, Matvey Kitov, while in Krasnodar, began corresponding with a person who identified himself as an SBU officer and agreed to cooperate confidentially with the foreign intelligence service.
Later, on February 26, 2025, Kitov was tasked with blowing up a recruitment center for contract military service in Novorossiysk using a homemade explosive device (IED). The SBU officer also sent him detailed instructions on how to assemble and activate the IED.
The next day, February 27, Kitov arrived in Novorossiysk, retrieved the device’s components from a hiding place, and moved them to another location, where he kept them until they were seized by law enforcement officers.
“During the court hearing, Kitov fully pleaded guilty to the charges against him. He also noted that he had received $805 from the SBU agent to carry out the task assigned to him of committing a terrorist act,” the press service stated.
As a result, the court found Kitov guilty under Article 205.3 (undergoing training for the purpose of carrying out terrorist activities), Part 1 of Article 30, subparagraph “b” of Part 3 of Article 205 (preparation for the commission of a terrorist act), subparagraph “c” of Part 3 of Article 222.1 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, shipment, or carrying of explosives or explosive devices), and Article 276.1 (aiding the enemy in activities knowingly directed against the security of Russia) of the Criminal Code.
The man was sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment in a strict-regime correctional colony, with the first five years to be served in prison, as well as a fine of 300,000 rubles.
The verdict has not yet become final and may be appealed to the Military Court of Appeals.