A Russian freight train derailed in the western Bryansk region on the border with Ukraine on Monday after an “explosive device” detonated on the railway tracks, the local governor said, according to AFP.

“As a result of the explosion, an unidentified explosive device detonated and the locomotive of the freight train derailed,” Bryansk Oblast Governor Oleksandr Bogomaz said on Telegram, adding that “there were no casualties.”

Destroyed electrical resistances

Also, the governor of the Leningrad region Oleksandr Drozdenko stated in Telegram that the auxiliary device of the power transmission line was blown up there.

He wrote that explosives were also found on the second pole of the power grid, but the power supply was not interrupted.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Friday officially increasing the maximum penalty for treason to life in prison as part of efforts to crack down on dissent since the war in Ukraine began last year, Reuters reported.

Lawmakers also approved raising the maximum sentence for committing a “terrorist act,” defined as an act that endangers life and is aimed at destabilizing Russia, to 20 years from the current 15 years.

Those found guilty of sabotage could face 20 years in prison instead of 15, while those convicted of “international terrorism” could face life in prison instead of 12 years. The decree did not explain what “international terrorism” is.

Putin signed the new decree as rights groups say authorities are stepping up efforts to silence the few voices of opposition.

• the news is updated