The SSU Military Counterintelligence Department assisted National Police investigators in solving the murder of an instructor at one of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ training centres, which took place in January this year in the Rivne region.

The pre-trial investigation has been completed, and the case has been referred to court.

The perpetrator is a 14-year-old local schoolgirl recruited by russia’s federal security service (FSB). Acting on the enemy’s orders, the agent first spiked the serviceman’s drink with a lethal dose of methadone and then strangled him when he was incapacitated.

According to the investigation, the minor came to russia’s attention in Telegram chat rooms.

After the recruitment, the handler in russia instructed the girl on how to lure the serviceman to a meeting and carry out the murder.

The agent initially contacted the serviceman online before inviting him to meet at his flat.

Before the meeting, the minor took narcotic substances with her and, at an opportune moment, slipped them into the victim’s drink. Once the man had lost consciousness, she used a plastic bag and a charging cable to strangle him.

The law enforcement detained the suspect the day after the murder. Subsequently, the SSU’s Military Counterintelligence uncovered further details of the contract killing coordinated by the FSB.

During the searches of the suspect’s premises, the investigators seized a smartphone containing evidence of her cooperation with the aggressor state.

The case has been referred to court, together with a motion seeking the imposition of compulsory educational measures on the minor.

The suspect’s actions have been classified under two Articles of the CCU:

• 111.2 – high treason, committed under martial law;
• 114-1.1 – obstruction of the lawful activities of the AFU, during a special period.

By court order, the minor can be placed in a specialised educational institution for children and adolescents.

The intentional murder itself is being investigated in separate criminal proceedings under Article 115.1 of the CCU.

The investigation was conducted jointly with the SSU Office in the Rivne region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.