Russian intelligence plotted to kill military personnel and volunteers in Kyiv, police detain four agents

Law enforcement agencies have reported uncovering a network of Russian military intelligence in Kyiv that had been preparing to carry out contract killings, targeting commanders in Ukraine's defence forces and prominent public figures.

Source: Office of the Prosecutor General; National Police

Details: The investigators reported that the network was coordinated by a staff officer of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, commonly known as the GRU. He identified the targets, assigned roles and oversaw preparations for the crimes. Four individuals were recruited: the head of a security firm, a law enforcement officer, a former convict, and a woman who was responsible for transport.

Prosecutors say the group was following a clear plan. One member was to carry out the killings, while the others were responsible for transport, logistics and cover. A separate role was performed by a network member who obtained information from restricted databases and passed it on to Russian representatives.

The group made use of vehicles with flashing lights disguised as security service cars in order to leave crime scenes without being stopped. Weapons and ammunition were obtained through pre-arranged caches in Kyiv and Cherkasy oblasts.

The investigation also established that preparations had been underway to carry out killings using explosives, which were to be planted under vehicles.

The four members of the network were detained as they were preparing to assassinate the commander of a volunteer unit in Kyiv. Police told Ukrainska Pravda that the arrests took place between November and February. During searches, weapons, mobile phones, SIM cards and other evidence were seized.

The detainees have been served with notices of suspicion with respect to treason, attempted premeditated murder committed by a group on contract, and unauthorised interference with information systems (Article 111.2, Article 15.2, Article 115.2 paragraphs 6, 11 and 12, and Article 362.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

In response to a follow-up question from Ukrainska Pravda regarding pre-trial restrictions, police said the director of the security firm has been placed under round-the-clock house arrest and the other three suspects have been remanded in custody.

The actions of the organisers, who are in Russia, have additionally been classified as attempted sabotage, prosecutors said.

The charges carry penalties of up to life imprisonment with confiscation of assets.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Measures are being taken to bring all those involved to justice, including those hiding abroad.

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