The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) prevented a terrorist attack in Odesa by detaining a Russian agent. The suspect intended to assassinate a high-ranking official of the Ukrainian Navy. Russian special services ordered the killing to create a specific media background for the Kremlin’s “Victory Day” celebrations.
The SBU reported that a tip about a suspicious person came through their hotline.
This information allowed counterintelligence and “Alpha” special forces to track the suspect. Consequently, security forces successfully conducted an operation and detained the man on May 8.
Details of the planned assassination
The investigation revealed that the suspect is a repeat offender from the Donetsk region. He had previously served a prison sentence for premeditated murder. Russian handlers recruited him via Telegram channels while he was searching for “easy money.” After recruitment, the assassin moved to Odesa and rented an apartment to prepare for the attack.
The SBU stated:
“After recruitment, he arrived in Odesa, where he rented an apartment to prepare for the assassination attempt. First, the suspect tracked the Ukrainian serviceman’s residence, conducted reconnaissance of the surrounding area, and selected ambush sites. Then, the agent received coordinates of caches from a Russian handler, from which he took an AK-74 assault rifle and two loaded magazines. To hide the weapon while moving around the city, the killer used a bag with a double bottom.”
The killer planned to ambush the officer near his home. He intended to open fire when the officer drove out of his yard. During the search, law enforcement seized the assault rifle, ammunition, and a phone containing coordination messages from a Russian intelligence officer.
Legal proceedings
The detainee faces charges of high treason and an attempted terrorist act. Currently, the suspect remains in custody. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment and the confiscation of all property. The Ukrainian authorities continue to investigate the full network of Russian assets in the region.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that Moscow’s May 9 parade lasted less than an hour, and no military equipment was displayed.
