The SSU exposed a Russian military intelligence agent who planned a series of terrorist attacks in Odesa region. The offender was detained red-handed while recruiting an accomplice.

The agent was a foreigner who occasionally came to Ukraine instructed by the Russian military intelligence officers operating from the territory of the unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic.

The offender was tasked to destabilize the social and political situation in Odesa region through subversive and terrorist attacks. It has been established that he was behind the arson of a Ukrainian military vehicle in Odesa in December 2021 and the act of vandalism when paint was poured on a monument to Ukrainians killed in the war with Russia.

Russian handlers identified the agent’s further targets: offices of volunteers and patriotic NGOs and military equipment in Odesa region.

The Russian special services were planning to conduct information and psychological operations making the situation look like there was ‘pro-Russian underground and anti-Ukrainian sentiments in Odesa region’.

The SSU detained the organizer when he was meeting the accomplice. The agent was instructing the perpetrator to commit another arson of military equipment and paid him for the previously committed arson of a Ukrainian military vehicle.

The detainee has been notified of suspicion of committing a terrorist attack. Custody has been chosen as a measure of restraint. Investigation is underway to bring to justice all those involved.

The SSU conducted the operation under the supervision of Odesa Region Prosecutor’s Office.