Ukraine has detained a Frenchman suspected of planning a series of terrorist attacks across France during the upcoming Euro 2016 championship, the Security Service of Ukraine said.
Security Service chief Vasyl Hrytsak told a news conference that Ukraine "managed to prevent 15 terrorist acts planned to be carried out on the eve of and during the European football championship in France". according to state news agency Ukrinform.
The man came to Ukraine under the guise of volunteering to fight in the conflict in the country's east and managed to obtain 125 kilograms of TNT, five assault rifles, two anti-tank grenade launchers and ammunition, according to the Security Service.
He planned to blow up bridges and highways infrastructure in various parts of France, as well as a tax collection office, a mosque, a synagogue and public areas to be used for the football championship, the Security Service's statement said.
"The Frenchman expressed opposition toward his government allowing mass immigration into France, as well as the spread of Islam," the statement said.
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The Security Service said it had been monitoring the man since December, when he arrived in the east "to establish contacts with Ukrainian troops under the guise of volunteering help".
Ukraine's military has fought against pro-Russian separatists in the country's two eastern-most regions for more than two years. More than 9000 have been killed in the conflict, according to estimates by the United Nations.
The month-long Euro 2016 championship starts on Friday.
