The Security Service of Ukraine has thwarted russia’s attempt to destroy a production facility belonging to an enterprise of defence-industrial complex in western Ukraine. Following pre-emptive operations in Lviv, an enemy agent preparing to blow up the strategic facility was detained.

The investigation revealed that the perpetrator had attempted to commit sabotage by disguising it as a short circuit in the production equipment.

According to the saboteur’s plan, the resulting fire would have triggered explosions that appeared to have been caused by a technical accident at the production site.

The SSU’s cyber experts prevented the sabotage and apprehended the agent when he tried to set fire to one of the workshops.

The task of the russian intelligence was carried out by a local resident who was recruited by the enemy and handled through his brother, who is abroad and collaborates with the aggressor state.

Following russia’s orders, the agent took up a position as a general labourer at the defence enterprise.

He later received step-by-step instructions from the russian intelligence on how to organise the arson and destroy sections containing production facilities, via his brother.

During searches at the scene, evidence of sabotage and the suspect’s personal belongings were found.

SSU investigators have notified the enemy accomplice of his status as a suspect under Articles 28.2, 113.2 of the CCU (sabotage, committed by a group, upon prior conspiracy, under martial law).

The suspect is in custody, the proceedings file has been sent to court. His brother, who is evading justice abroad, has been declared a suspect in absentia.

The two perpetrators both face life imprisonment and confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in the Lviv region under the procedural supervision of the Lviv Specialised Defence Prosecutor’s Office for the Western Region.