Russia blames Ukraine for wave of attacks on banks, police

Russia on Thursday accused Ukrainian security services of orchestrating a series of 55 arson and bomb attacks targeting banks, post offices, and police vehicles across the country.

The Russian interior ministry said 44 suspects, including elderly individuals and minors, had been arrested in connection with the incidents, which occurred between December 18 and December 26.

"Suspects acted on the instructions of anonymous supervisors received by telephone or messengers," the ministry said in a statement. It claimed the crimes were organized by Ukrainian security services and urged citizens to remain vigilant.

The perpetrators, lured by promises of monetary rewards or intimidated by fraudulent callers posing as police officers, could face up to 20 years in prison, the ministry added.

Some suspects were reportedly tricked into committing crimes after scammers initially stole their money and then offered to return it in exchange for carrying out specific tasks, officials said.

The ministry emphasized the need for "vigilance" and warned citizens to avoid falling victim to intimidation or deceit.

Russia has experienced a surge in acts of vandalism and small-scale attacks since its military campaign in Ukraine began in 2022.