Photo: wikimedia.org
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested a Russian agent who was preparing to assassinate Andriy Biletskyielligence unit, with support from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the commander of Ukraine’s drone forces, prevented a targeted missile-bomb attack on the general’s location in the combat zone.
How the plot was organized
The Russian agent attempted to recruit a drone operator from another brigade in Kharkiv region to adjust an airstrike on Biletskyi’s position.
He sought information about the general’s arrival times and locations using his access to official military data and by subtly questioning colleagues.
The agent also planned to leak the locations of his brigade’s headquarters and training center to the Russian occupiers for separate strikes.
Arrest and investigation
The SBU intercepted the agent at an early stage of his espionage activities.
His contacts with Russian handlers were documented step by step, and Ukrainian forces’ locations were secured.
He was arrested in a military garrison with a smartphone used to communicate with the occupiers.
Background
The agent was recruited by Russian intelligence through his former wife, who lives in the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia region and works for Russia.
To conceal communications, he regularly deleted messages.
The suspect faces charges under Article 111, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason during martial law) and is currently in custody. He could face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
Broader context
In February, Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities thwarted Russian-planned assassinations of public, military, and political figures, including Andriy Yusov** with orders to assassinate Volodymyr Zelenskyy
