A local resident in the Pskov region was detained by officers from the Federal Security Service and local police on suspicion of attempting to set fire to railway equipment. The incident was reported by TASS and unfolded at the Pskov Tovarny station in the early days of August, when a man arrived at the station carrying a wrench. Investigators say the plan involved using the tool to force open the relay cabinet and ignite the equipment inside. Security forces acted quickly, detaining the suspect at the scene and preventing what could have been a dangerous act of arson.
Following initial inquiries, investigators found that the arson suspect had previously received messages from volunteers connected to a Ukrainian public humanitarian project. The project is described by authorities as one that seeks to recruit Russian citizens for sabotage and terrorism. The regional FSB confirmed this contact, noting that the Telegram exchanges formed part of the case materials.
The man faces charges of attempted sabotage. Officials emphasize that the alleged plan was discovered before any damage occurred, highlighting the role of proactive investigative work and interagency collaboration in securing critical transportation infrastructure. The incident underlines ongoing concerns about threats to railway security and the importance of rapid response to suspected arson attempts at major transport hubs.
Local authorities have stressed that the railway network remains a high-priority security area, with ongoing monitoring and swift actions taken to mitigate potential harm. While the specifics of the case are still under legal review, law enforcement officials reaffirm their commitment to preventing acts that could disrupt public safety and critical operations. Inquiries continue as investigators gather digital communication records and examine the sequence of events leading up to the attempted arson at the Pskov Tovarny station.
This episode is the latest in a series of security incidents affecting rail infrastructure, prompting renewed attention to how information sharing and counter-sabotage measures are implemented across regional and national agencies. Authorities insist that lessons from this event will inform future preventative strategies and response protocols, ensuring that rail services maintain reliable operations for travelers and freight alike. The investigation remains active, with prosecutors preparing to present the evidence before the courts to determine appropriate charges and penalties for those implicated in the planning and execution of such acts.