FSB arrests four for plotting to poison Russian soldiers, claims affiliation with Russian Volunteer Corps

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) captured four individuals in Petersburg on charges of terrorism. This information comes directly from the Russian state news agency, Interfax, following a report from the FSB's Public Relations Center.

The FSB disclosed that all detainees were members of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), an armed group comprising Russians fighting alongside Ukraine.

According to the FSB, the suspects intended to "poison food products" marked as "humanitarian aid" meant for Russian servicemen in Ukraine and for the residents of Ukrainian territories under Russian occupation using a "highly toxic chemical substance." The FSB also claimed that the accused "conducted reconnaissance" in the Petersburg area to "prepare for further acts of terrorism."

A criminal case has been initiated by the FSB against the suspects under the charge of participating in terrorist organization activities. The convictions could lead to prison sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years.

Since the summer of 2022, the Russian Volunteer Corps has been active in Ukraine and is led by the controversial Denis Kapustin, also known as "Nikitin." Estimates suggest that his unit comprises a maximum of 200 soldiers.

The soldiers of this unit have launched several operations in the border areas of Russia this year, notably at least two in the Bryansk region during March and April.

The unit grabbed headlines around late May and early June, when, in collaboration with another volunteer Russian group, the "Freedom of Russia" Legion, they conducted operations for several weeks in the Shebekino area of the Belgorod region.