Law enforcement agencies thwarted a "bloody terrorist attack" in Kyiv, which was being prepared by the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU). This was reported on October 23 by the press service of the Security Service of Ukraine.
As a result of a joint special operation, the SBU and National Police arrested two Russian agents tasked with creating an improvised explosive device and detonating it in one of the crowded areas of the capital.
According to the investigation, the aim was to maximize civilian casualties among Kyiv residents to incite panic. The Russians remotely recruited a 20-year-old resident of Zaporizhzhia, who was looking for easy money through social media.
The agent was sent detailed instructions on how to manufacture explosives from readily available components. Following the guidelines, she used two mobile phones. These were to be connected to a detonator with plastic explosives, which were transferred through a concealed stash. The geolocation was promised to be sent the day before the attack.
1The young woman was in contact with a GRU officer located in the temporarily occupied part of the Zaporizhzhia region. She involved her 26-year-old partner in the operation. Before executing the attack, the suspects were given a "control" task — to set fire to several units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' equipment.
2The couple was caught "red-handed" while attempting to ignite a BMP that was performing tasks on the southern front. Phones containing evidence and tools of the crime were seized from the detainees. They were charged with treason by prior conspiracy under martial law.
The suspects were placed in custody without the possibility of bail. They face life imprisonment with asset confiscation.
3The National Police clarified that a minor was also part of the criminal group. It was reported that the 20-year-old resident of Zaporizhzhia was also investigating the locations of the Defense Forces' vehicles for the enemy, coordinating arson attacks.
Upon completing operations, the agent reported back to the GRU with photos or videos. This content was used by Russian intelligence services to spread narratives about the Ukrainian "underground." Under the direction of their handlers, the group burned two vehicles belonging to Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel and police special transport.
4In early August, the suspect recruited a minor resident of Zaporizhzhia, who set fire to a Hyundai using a prepared mixture. Just a few hours later, the young man was arrested, and he is being accused of obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The second vehicle, a Honda, was set ablaze by the agent herself a few days later. The 26-year-old partner assisted her in igniting the special transport at a restricted facility.
5 6However, after the arsons, the deceived young woman began demanding payment for the "work" she had done. In response, the handler anonymously sent screenshots of their correspondence to the police's email.
7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4The Zaporizhzhia regional prosecutor's office specified that the agent did receive some form of "reward" from the Russians — either on a bank card or a crypto wallet. However, once she was uncovered, a representative of the enemy intelligence leaked her data to law enforcement through intermediaries.
It is noted that the young woman sought help in destroying Defense Forces vehicles through social media. Teenagers looking for "easy earnings" responded to her proposal.
5Recall that two defendants in the high-profile case of group rape in Transcarpathia managed to postpone the court proceedings because they allegedly decided to mobilize.
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