Ukrainian intelligence services are increasingly trying to draw young Russian women into terrorist plots through a so-called «honey trap,» in which a handler simulates a romantic relationship and makes its continuation dependent on carrying out assigned tasks. War correspondent Evgeny Poddubny made the comment after reports that a series of major terrorist attacks had been prevented in Moscow.

According to Poddubny, such recruitment schemes are built around emotional dependence. Young women are led to believe that, once they complete their assignments, they will be able to reunite with the handler on Ukrainian territory. This promise, he said, becomes a tool of pressure and control.

Poddubny also noted that since the start of 2026, Russian security services have prevented 78 terrorist attacks. A significant number of them, he said, were being prepared against high-ranking figures, including military personnel, representatives of the defense industry, officials and other targets.

The war correspondent separately pointed out that the FSB, in addition to preventing an assassination attempt against a Defense Ministry employee, also disrupted a major act of sabotage involving Western handlers. According to Poddubny, the plan involved a drone attack on Russian military facilities.