SBU CI Department prevented in Kharkiv city attempted murder of ex-combat leader of the AF of Ukraine reconnaissance battalion, organized by Russia’s the special services.

SBU operatives found that for committing crime Russian special services involved Kharkiv resident, who previously did military service in the National Guard of Ukraine, but was released for compromising circumstances. Kharkiv resident received task during short-term travel to Russia. Further his actions Russian curators coordinated by mobile messenger. They promised money reward to the principal for murder of ex-commander.

SBU Head Ivan Bakanov said that the operation to prevent the assassination - is an evidence that the Service effectively counters the Russian special services. "SBU combats threats from gathering momentum, rather than eliminate the consequences. Our actions confirm this. Counter-intelligence activities, counter-terrorism, national security - these are the today's priorities of Ukrainian special service, "- added Ivan Bakanov and thanked SBU officers for successful operation. Special services of the aggressor country planned to avenge Ukrainian commander for successful operations against illegal armed formations of "L/DNR” terrorist organisations. In particular, a group of the Russia’s Armed Forces officers, one of which had a title of a "Hero of Russia” was frustrated. Kharkiv resident prepared to commit assault in apartment block, where commander resides, planting improvised explosive device. Actions of subversive threatened the lives of many civilians.

SBU CI officers and investigators together with the CSO "A" officials detained the attacker with explosives in the house. According to experts, the power of the explosive device comprised half a kilo of triton and was set in action by using the radio signal from the car alarm. Due to the increased risk of an explosive device during transportation, it was destructed in the yard of the house without danger to life. The issue of serving a notice of suspicion of committing a crime to the detainee and choosing a preventive measure in the form of detention is currently being solved in the framework of initiated criminal proceeding. The operation was conducted under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office.