On January 23, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) reported that it stopped a terrorist crime prepared by a supporter of the nationalists on the instructions of the Ukrainian special services in one of the regions of the North Caucasus. 

"In January this year, on the territory of the North Caucasus Federal District, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation prevented an attempt by a supporter of nationalist ideology by a Russian citizen to commit a terrorist crime, which he planned on the instructions of the Ukrainian special services," the FSB said.

"During a search at the place of residence of the detainee, ready-to-use means of terrorism were seized," the FSB added. According to the government body, a criminal case has been initiated under Part 1 of Art. 30, Part 2, and Art. 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Preparation for the commission of a terrorist act by a group of persons by prior agreement or by an organized group").

Moreover, FSB clarified that the detainee was preparing for a terrorist attack against the police. The man stated this during interrogation, the video of which was distributed by the service. "He was an agent of the Ukrainian special services; his call sign was Alejandro. On their instructions, he was supposed to come to the North Caucasus Federal District and commit a terrorist attack against police officers," the detainee said in the video. "I repent on what I did; I admit my guilt," he added.