Russian intelligence planned killings of military personnel and volunteers in Kyiv, police detain four agents

Law enforcement agencies have reported uncovering a network of Russia's military intelligence in Kyiv that was preparing contract killings of commanders of Ukraine's defence forces and prominent public figures.

Source: Office of the Prosecutor General; National Police

Details: Investigators reported that coordination was carried out by a staff officer of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, formerly known as the GRU. He identified targets, assigned roles and oversaw the preparation of the crimes. Four individuals were recruited to carry out the tasks: the head of a security firm, a law enforcement officer, a former convict, and a woman responsible for transportation.

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

For movement, they used vehicles with flashing lights disguised as security service cars to leave crime scenes without obstruction. Weapons and ammunition were obtained through pre-arranged caches in Kyiv and Cherkasy oblasts.

The investigation also established preparations for killings using explosives, which were to be planted under vehicles.

The four members of the network were detained while preparing to assassinate a commander of one of the volunteer units 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 of treason, attempted premeditated murder committed by a group on contract and unauthorised interference with information systems (Article 111.2, Article 15.2, paragraphs 6, 11 and 12 of Article 115.2, and Article 362.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

In response to a follow-up question from Ukrainska Pravda regarding preventive measures, police said the director of the security firm had been placed under round-the-clock house arrest, while the other three suspects were remanded in custody.

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

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

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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