FSB Claims Ukraine Sent Drone Goggles Rigged With Explosives to Russian Volunteers

Nov. 2, 2026 FSB Russia’s FSB security service said Monday that it thwarted a series of planned attacks against Russian drone operators after its agents uncovered a shipment of drone goggles rigged with explosives that were meant to be distributed to military personnel. “During an X-ray examination, explosives specialists established that Ukrainian special services had embedded improvised explosive devices into the first-person view goggles where cooling fans are normally placed,” the FSB said in a statement. The devices were allegedly wired to detonate immediately upon being turned on, killing or injuring the operators. The FSB said a shipment of the tampered goggles was first discovered in the southern Volgograd region, after which law enforcement authorities intercepted larger batches shipped to various locations through Russia Post. It did not disclose the exact number of seized devices. A nearly six-minute video released by the FSB and shared with state media outlets showed a bomb disposal operation alongside interviews with an unidentified soldier and two female volunteers, who help distribute supplies to Russian servicemen. One volunteer said FSB officers stopped her while trying to collect a shipment of three goggle kits sent by someone identified only as Daria. A second volunteer described receiving a separate shipment of goggles from another online contact who used the handle “Oleg Feniks.” The FSB launched a criminal investigation into the illegal manufacture, acquisition and transportation of explosives, as well as attempted terrorism. Officials warned volunteers working with the Russian army to inspect all incoming donations, claiming that Ukrainian intelligence services had previously masked explosives inside everyday items like power banks, Bluetooth speakers, car parts, heated shoe insoles and gift statuettes. Read more about: FSB , Ukraine , Russian military Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more FSB Arrests Kaluga Man Accused of Plotting Attack on Military Enlistment Office Russian law enforcement officials claimed the man was acting on orders from Ukrainian military intelligence. 1 Min read FSB Claims It Foiled Ukrainian Assassination Plots Against Military Officials The FSB accused Ukrainian intelligence of recruiting a young Moscow woman and a Russian ex-convict living in Ukraine to carry out the attacks. 2 Min read Russian Army Employee Arrested for Allegedly Passing Secrets to Kyiv The woman, whose name and job title were not disclosed, was accused of gathering “information on arsenals, bases and depots.” 1 Min read Russia's FSB Says Seized Explosives Sent From Ukraine Via EU The FSB said 70 kilograms of explosive devices were hidden in Orthodox Christian religious icons as they moved through the EU. 1 Min read