Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has announced that it prevented a planned drone attack targeting a strategic facility in the Moscow region, alleging that two Moldovan citizens acted on behalf of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).
According to the FSB, Viktor Pirlog (born in 1986) and Aurel Calos (born in 1995), who were allegedly trained in Ukraine, participated in preparations for an attack involving 35 explosive-laden drones. The drones were reportedly stored in a warehouse rented in advance by the suspects. To avoid raising suspicion, Ukrainian handlers allegedly arranged for construction materials to be delivered to the same warehouse. The drones, according to the FSB, arrived concealed inside a truck transporting ceramic tiles from the European Union.
The Russian security service stated that the shipment followed a route through Bratislava (Slovakia), Siedlce (Poland), Brest (Belarus), and ultimately the Moscow region. Investigators claim the drones were hidden inside a shipment of Spanish ceramic tiles and equipped with explosive warheads manufactured abroad.
The FSB further alleges that the drones used Canadian-made control systems resistant to electronic warfare and that they were initially assembled and configured in Kyiv. The agency also claims that Ukrainian intelligence involved minors aged between 13 and 16 in activating SIM cards used to control the drones.
According to Russian authorities, the rented hangar located near the targeted facility served as the launch site. The FSB alleges that Pirlog and Calos prepared the premises under instructions from Ukrainian handlers before leaving Russia. Both men have been charged in absentia and placed on Russia’s federal wanted list.
The FSB identified the alleged main perpetrator as a former member of the Wagner Group who had obtained Russian citizenship. Investigators claim he assembled and activated the drones before attempting to leave the area, expecting an extraction team that would transport him to Ukraine. The suspect has reportedly been arrested and is cooperating with investigators.
Russian authorities also stated that another individual, described as the renter of the hangar, allegedly resisted arrest with a firearm and was killed during the operation.
In addition, the FSB claims that Albert Vasilyev (born in 1991), a Ukrainian-American blogger and rapper known as Kyivstoner, participated in organizing the operation while living in Spain and Slovakia. According to the agency, Vasilyev transferred money to the alleged perpetrators and communicated operational instructions through the Telegram messaging platform.
Retired FSB Major General Alexander Perelygin stated in a video released by Russian authorities that investigators also detained individuals accused of planning to help the alleged attacker leave Russia after the operation.
Russia’s Investigative Directorate has opened a criminal case under Article 205, Part 2 of the Russian Criminal Code, which concerns terrorist acts.
As of publication, Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not publicly commented on the FSB’s allegations regarding the involvement of two Moldovan citizens.
