FSB Eliminates Alleged Railroad Saboteurs in Siberia's Altai Region

FSB Reports Fatal Encounter in Altai Region

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Monday, November 24, 2025, that its agents shot and killed two individuals in Siberia's Altai Region. The FSB alleges the men were attempting to sabotage a railway line by placing a 'derailing device' on tracks. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday evening, November 22, 2025.

According to the FSB, security agents approached the men's vehicle to make an arrest when the suspects allegedly opened fire. FSB agents returned fire, killing both individuals.

Details of the Alleged Sabotage Plot

The alleged saboteurs were identified as local residents who, according to the FSB, had been recruited online via the Telegram messenger app. The recruitment was reportedly carried out by a member of an unspecified 'terrorist organization' in coordination with 'Ukrainian special services,' with promises of a 'material reward' for their actions.

The target was a section of railway between the Altayskaya and Biysk stations, east of the regional capital Barnaul. This line is reportedly used by both freight and passenger trains.

Evidence and Ongoing Investigation

The FSB released a video through state media, which reportedly shows the shootout at night, investigators at the scene, and the bodies of the two men near a bullet-riddled SUV. The video also displayed what was identified as the 'derailing device' the men intended to use.

State-run TASS news agency reported that the men were armed with automatic assault rifles, which allegedly had the phrase 'Glory to Ukraine' written on them in Russian.

Following the incident, the FSB and Russia's Investigative Committee initiated an investigation. Criminal cases have been opened on charges including sabotage, illegal arms possession, and attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.

Broader Context of Railway Sabotage Claims

Russian officials have frequently accused Ukrainian forces and their alleged sympathizers of conducting sabotage operations targeting critical infrastructure, particularly railway lines, since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.

Previous incidents cited by Russian authorities include a passenger train derailment in the Bryansk Region in May, which resulted in the deaths of seven civilians. Investigators claimed that foreign-made explosives were used in that attack, linking it to Ukrainian intelligence.