Poison plot

In a dramatic verdict underscoring the harsh penalties for dissent in wartime Russia, a Siberian man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempting to poison Russian troops in support of Ukraine. The Federal Security Service (FSB) revealed the details on Wednesday, describing the case as both treasonous and potentially deadly. The accused, a resident of Barnaul in the Altai region, was convicted of “attempted assault” and “attempted high treason” by a Russian military tribunal. The man, born in 1981, reportedly connected with Ukrainian special services through social media, offering to assist their cause against Moscow’s forces.

According to the FSB, he worked as a canteen employee, giving him direct access to soldiers’ meals. Exploiting this position, he allegedly attempted to poison food intended for Russian troops mobilized in the region. The chilling act was reportedly filmed and sent to Ukrainian special forces as proof of his efforts. Tests on the substance used revealed it could have caused acute poisoning and potentially fatal outcomes had it not been discovered. The severity of the case, compounded by its timing amid ongoing hostilities with Ukraine, led to the harsh sentencing.