The SSU Counterintelligence has foiled another attempt of russia to set up intelligence networks in Kyiv, Poltava and Chernihiv.

As a result of a special operation in Kyiv region, a senior agent (resident) working for the GRU (the main directorate of the general staff of the russian armed forces) and one of his accomplices have been apprehended.

They are residents of Kyiv region who started working for the GRU for money.

On the enemy orders, they adjusted russian missile and drone attacks and prepared arson attacks on power substations and service vehicles of the AFU.

The perpetrators set up an observation post in a rented apartment in a Kyiv high-rise building with a view of potential targets – critical infrastructure facilities.

In this flat, the agents installed video cameras with remote access software that allowed the GRU to monitor the view online.

In this way, russia hoped to record the impact of air strikes on the city and identify air defence firing positions to adjust new attacks.

The group travelled to Poltava and Chernihiv with similar purposes. They first conducted reconnaissance near energy facilities and planned to create their cells in both cities.

For this purpose, the agents tried to recruit local residents looking for ‘easy money’. Ads were posted on specialized Telegram channels controlled by the russian intelligence.

An assignment for the new assets was to set fire to service cars of the Territorial Recruitment Centers and to power transformers in the three Ukrainian regions.

The SSU uncovered the organizer of the network and his accomplice at an early stage and detained them.

During the searches, the investigators seized video recording devices, phones and SIM cards with evidence of sabotage against Ukraine.

The SSU has now notified both detainees of suspicion under Articles 14.1, 113.2 of the CCU (preparation to commit sabotage, under martial law).

The criminal actions of the organizer are additionally qualified under Articles 14.1, 114-1.1 of the CCU (preparation to commit actions that impede the lawful activities of the AFU and other military formations, during a special period).

The suspects are in custody and face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Poltava Office and the SSU Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region under the procedural supervision of Kyiv Region Prosecutor’s Office.