Khmelnytskyi media outlet receives bomb threats via email

Khmelnytskyi-based news outlet Novyny Khmelnytskyi received an email about a bomb planted in their building. The news outlet reported this to Alyona Bereza, the Institute of Mass Information representative in Khmelnytskyi oblast.

The mentions explosive devices that “create a danger to people”.

“Do not even try to neutralize the devices – they are controlled remotely. I warn you, if you do not comply with all safety measures, the consequences will be terrible. Very soon your building will be blown to bits!” the letter reads.

The letter also contains a list of other buildings where bombs have allegedly been planted. It includes one of the largest shopping malls in Khmelnytskyi, Oasis Mall.

Earlier, Suspilne Khmelnytskyi reported that several shopping centers were claimed to have bombs planted in them, according to the Khmelnytskyi district police communications inspector, Vira Mazur.

The official was quoted as saying that all specialized services were working on the ground, inspecting the buildings and checking them for explosives. People were also being evacuated.

As of 16:00, the inspection was completed. No explosives were found.

Earlier, on February 5, other media workers based in Khmelnytskyi oblast, including the Novyny Khmelnytskyi team, received letters of the same content. The emails were sent from a Russian domain.

The Institute of Mass Information, Pershyi Kryvorizkyi, Syla Pravdy, and Detector Media received similar letters earlier today, February 20.