MOSCOW: Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the arrest of a German national accused of attempting to sabotage energy infrastructure on orders from a Ukrainian citizen. The FSB said it detained Nikolai Gayduk, a 56-year-old from Hamburg, as he attempted to enter Russia's Kaliningrad region from Poland.
According to the FSB, Gayduk had been involved in planning an explosion at a gas distribution station in Kaliningrad in March 2024. Authorities said they found liquid explosives in his car during the arrest. The German citizen was accused of plotting sabotage and smuggling explosives, leading to charges of terrorism.
The FSB named Alexander Zhorov, another resident of Hamburg, as the individual who allegedly directed Gayduk's actions. A Russian court has placed Gayduk in pre-trial detention while the investigation continues.
As of now, there has been no comment from German officials regarding the arrest.
The arrest has raised tensions between Russia and Germany, as it involves allegations of foreign interference in Russia's energy sector. While the exact details of the planned sabotage remain unclear, the FSB's claims suggest a serious plot to disrupt critical infrastructure. The investigation into Gayduk's actions is ongoing, and authorities are focusing on uncovering any connections to broader sabotage networks. The case also highlights the increasing security concerns in regions like Kaliningrad, which are strategically important due to their location and role in energy distribution. The international community will likely be watching closely as more information emerges.
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