Russia arrests 4 youths for plotting 'terror' attack on city

Russian authorities have arrested four teenagers, aged 15 and 16, on suspicion of planning a terror attack in Yekaterinburg, Russian state media reported Saturday.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) claims the suspects planned to detonate homemade explosives in crowded areas of the city. Two of the teens are also accused of arson, specifically targeting a police car.

Neo-Nazi inspiration

A video released by TASS appears to show one of the suspects admitting to setting the car ablaze after being influenced by neo-Nazi content on Telegram.

"I read in the same channels it is necessary to commit acts against the police," the suspect reportedly said in the footage.

Since the start of Russia's military offensive in Ukraine, domestic security has increasingly come under strain. The Kremlin attributes a surge in arson attacks and fatal incidents to Kyiv or extremist groups.

This latest case adds to a growing list of security concerns as Russian authorities focus on combating perceived internal threats and alleged collaborators.

Yekaterinburg, Russia’s fourth-largest city, was reportedly targeted for reasons the FSB has not clarified. Investigations are ongoing.