Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) accused Ukrainian rapper Kyivstoner of helping organize an alleged drone attack targeting a defense enterprise in the Moscow region. The artist, whose real name is Albert Vasilyev, quickly rejected the accusations and dismissed the claims through social media posts.
In a series of messages on Instagram, Kyivstoner denied any involvement in the alleged operation. He said he was relaxing and playing a video game, questioning the basis of the allegations made against him.
FSB Details Alleged Drone Operation
According to the FSB, the alleged plot involved a former Wagner Group mercenary and a network of recruited operatives. Russian authorities claimed that Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) secretly transported 35 first-person-view (FPV) drones into Russia.
The security agency alleged that the drones were assembled in Kyiv and equipped with Canadian-made control systems. Officials claimed the aircraft were concealed inside a shipment of Spanish ceramic tiles before traveling through Slovakia, Poland, and Belarus en route to Russia.
The FSB further alleged that explosives connected to the operation were stored in a rented warehouse near the intended target under the cover of construction materials.
Russian authorities said the warehouse tenant, a Russian citizen accused of working for Ukrainian intelligence in exchange for money, died during an attempted arrest.
Suspects Arrested as Investigation Continues
The FSB also claimed that two Moldovan nationals involved in preparing the operation had already left Russia before the alleged attack.
Authorities identified the suspected drone operator as a naturalized Russian citizen and former Wagner Group fighter. According to the FSB, he received a presidential pardon and Russian citizenship in 2023 after participating in the war in Ukraine.
Officials said security forces arrested the suspect while he allegedly attempted to launch the drones. The FSB claimed the aircraft were destroyed before reaching their intended target.
Russian state news agency TASS published video footage that reportedly showed preparations for the alleged operation, interrogation scenes, and the arrest of a suspect outside a supermarket. The footage also included images of drones catching fire inside a warehouse.
The FSB further alleged that the suspected drone operator had links to the Islamic State group. However, Ukraine has not officially responded to the accusations, and the claims have not been independently verified.
