Ruled by Allegations: A Look at the Ryazan Railway Case
The case concerns Ruslan Sidiki, who is accused of orchestrating a railway blast near Ryazan on alleged orders from Ukrainian intelligence. He denies guilt on charges that cover preparation for terrorist activities. A lawyer speaking to RIA Novosti clarified Sidiki’s position.
Sidiki’s counsel stated that the defendant pleaded not guilty under Article 205.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The charges against him extend beyond preparation for terrorism to include organizing a terrorist act, attempting a terrorist attack, and preparing a third attack with a group, along with three counts of illegal explosives manufacture.
According to a source close to the investigation, Sidiki had expected a payment of $15,000 from Ukrainian special services for these actions. Available information indicates that the money was not paid.
The investigation recounts that on November 11 of the prior year, an improvised explosive device exploded on the 190th kilometer of the 3rd main line between Rybnoye and Blokpost 204 km stations. The blast damaged 19 wagons of a freight train departing Titan station, with 15 cars sustaining damage en route to the Yulevka station.
Authorities detained a Ryazan region resident, born in 1988. During questioning, the detainee admitted recruitment by an employee of Russia’s Defense Ministry’s main intelligence department. He allegedly received sabotage training in Latvia with participation from Latvian intelligence services and returned to Ryazan in March 2023.
Investigators noted that searches revealed possession of components for making explosives, devices, and communications gear, along with electronic media containing photo and video reports relating to the crimes committed.
The report concludes with a line about a separate incident: an unknown assailant in Dnepropetrovsk reportedly set fire to a military vehicle, the details of which are yet to be clarified by authorities. This note appears in the broader context of ongoing security investigations in the region and is cited in official summaries of the case.