Russian FSB asset detained in Ukraine for plotting to kill defence official in Kirovohrad Oblast

The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has reported that its counterintelligence officers have thwarted a terrorist attack in central Kropyvnytskyi by detaining a man working for Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) who was preparing an attempt on the life of an official at a state institution responsible for defence preparedness in Kirovohrad Oblast.

Source: Security Service of Ukraine

Quote: "Investigators have established that the suspect attempted to follow the official with the intention of blowing him up with an improvised explosive device near a local café."

Details: SSU officers detained the man in the act after he had conducted additional reconnaissance at the scene of the planned attack and "reported" to his FSB handler about his readiness to carry out the explosion.

Case materials indicate that the suspect is a 27-year-old mobilised serviceman who had gone absent without leave from a unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and was hiding in Kirovohrad Oblast.

While active on Telegram channels, the deserter drew the focus of an FSB officer monitoring online activity. The Russian officer's identity has already been established by SSU counterintelligence.

On the instructions of his Russian handler, the man began surveilling the head of a regional institution to determine the optimal time and place for his assassination.

To do this, the deserter observed the official's daily routine, noting key locations and typical routes around the city.

After daily reconnaissance outings, the suspect sent the FSB the coordinates of a café near which the official passed.

He was then to receive instructions from the Russians on manufacturing an improvised explosive device for planting and remote detonation.

During searches, a smartphone containing evidence of cooperation with the Russians was seized from the detainee.

The man has been served with a notice of suspicion under Article 111.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (treason committed under martial law).

The suspect is being held in custody without the right to bail.

He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

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