SSU Military Counterintelligence detained in Odesa region a saboteur of russian military intelligence who was preparing a series of arsons at Ukrzaliznytsia facilities.

Among the main targets of the enemy were transformer substations and relay cabinets on the main railroad lines in the region.

If the power equipment was destroyed, the occupiers hoped to block the movement of Ukrainian army rolling stock toward the front line.

To carry out the sabotage, the russian special service engaged a local builder who was looking for "extra" income on Telegram channels. He agreed to set fire to critical infrastructure in exchange for money.

To do this, he scouted the location of the first potential target, a transformer near a railroad track, and then prepared a cache with three Molotov cocktails near it.

The suspect then engaged his acquaintance, who was supposed to arrive at the location, remove the incendiary mixture from the cache, and set fire to the power substation using the coordinates.

On the instructions of the occupiers, their accomplice planned to send them a video of the fire as a "report" on the task and continue a series of arsons in the region.

However, the SSU prevented further arson attacks and detained the saboteur at the initial stage of his subversive activities.

During the search, the SSU found home-made incendiary mixtures and a cell phone that he used to communicate with the aggressor.

Based on the evidence collected, SSU investigators served the detainee a notice of suspicion under Article 14.1, Article 113.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (preparation for sabotage committed under martial law).

The offender is currently in custody. He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Odesa Region Prosecutor's Office.