The Security Service of Ukraine has prevented a contract killing in Odesa. Following preemptive measures, an agent of russia’s federal security service was detained in the city; she was preparing to eliminate the commander of a Special Operations Forces unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The agent had installed a GPS tracker on the commander’s car, which the hitman was to use to track down and shoot the serviceman.

As the investigation revealed, the plot was organised by a former resident of the Kirovohrad region who had lived in russia for the previous 15 years. She came to the FSB’s attention when she approached the moscow office of Viktor Medvedchuk’s political project, ‘Other Ukraine’.

There, the woman had hoped to receive legal assistance after being accused of theft. However, instead of legal advice, representatives of the former Ukrainian MP ‘handed her over’ to the FSB handlers.

In exchange for ‘closing the case’, the FSB sent the agent to Odesa to prepare the assassination of the Special Operations Forces unit commander.

Upon arriving in the port city, the asset rented a flat in the building where the ‘target’ lived. She also used FSB funds to purchase an old car so she could secretly drive into the car park where his vehicle was parked.

The woman then installed a GPS tracker under the bonnet of the SOF commander’s car, which she had received from the FSB before travelling to Ukraine.

Using remote access to the tracker, the russian service hoped to monitor his routes and schedule.

The FSB planned to use the intelligence gathered to eliminate the Ukrainian special forces officer.

The Security Service apprehended the agent ‘red-handed’ immediately after she had planted the GPS tracker, whilst she was travelling by taxi towards the state border to flee to russia via third countries.

A smartphone, which she had used to coordinate her actions with her FSB handler under the guise of a ‘close’ relationship, was seized from the suspect during the search.

SSU investigators have notified the detainee of suspicion under Article 111.2 of the CCU (high treason, committed under martial law).

The indictment against the suspect has been sent to court. She faces life imprisonment and confiscation of property. The investigation is ongoing to bring to justice all those involved in the preparation of the assassination attempt.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Odesa Office under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.