War in Ukraine today: latest news, 21 August 2026 (photo)

The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has apprehended eight individuals who allegedly plotted an attack on an industrial facility in the Moscow Region. The suspects, according to TASS and Kommersant, were allegedly led by Ukrainian rapper Kyivstoner. The arrested individuals are facing charges related to terrorism and participation in a terrorist organization, with the first offense carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Earlier reports had revealed the detention of three individuals: a former Wagner fighter, Kyivstoner's acquaintance who worked as a driver, and a 16-year-old. A fourth man, who had rented warehouses for the drone acquisition, was killed during his arrest.

The FSB has not disclosed information about the remaining suspects, only stating that additional teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16 were implicated for allegedly activating SIM cards in the drones. Two Moldovan nationals, who had left Russia, are also suspected. The attempted attack on a defense industry facility was planned in mid-July, with the perpetrators intending to use FPV (first-person view) drones.

The drones, disguised as a shipment of Spanish ceramic tiles, were transported from Ukraine to Russia via Slovakia, Poland, and Belarus. The FSB named Kyivstoner (Albert Vasyliev) as the mastermind behind the operation, who has denied the allegations on social media.

One of the arrested "drone saboteurs" was apprehended in Balashikha, a city in the Moscow Region that houses several facilities fulfilling contracts with Russia's Ministry of Defense. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the country has detained at least 240 minors on terrorism and sabotage charges, according to Mediazona. Russia claims that NATO is preparing "major sabotage" at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, yet the scenario described is technically impossible.