The Security Service of Ukraine has foiled the contract killing of an officer of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

As a result of a multi-stage special operation in Kyiv, the SSU detained an FSB agent who attempted to eliminate a Ukrainian military intelligence officer in the central part of the capital.

The SSU apprehended the hitman in the act as he pulled out a firearm and aimed it at the serviceman inside one of Kyiv’s public establishments.

The investigation established that the assassination attempt was carried out by a 28-year-old citizen of a Central Asian country. He was recruited by the russian intelligence in his home country while searching for easy money on Telegram.

Following instructions from the ruscists, the agent entered Ukraine under the cover of a tourist and initially stayed in Pervomaisk, Mykolaiv region. There, he purchased multiple smartphones and SIM cards, which he regularly replaced to maintain covert communication with russia’s federal security service.

Subsequently, the foreign national travelled to Kyiv. He received a photograph of the intended target and his approximate geolocation, as well as coordinates of a cache containing a pistol and ammunition.

For the killing of the Ukrainian intelligence officer, the assassin was promised a reward of USD 50,000 and assistance with legalisation in an EU country.

A firearm with ammunition and a smartphone containing evidence of the suspect’s contacts with the FSB were seized at the scene.

SSU investigators have notified the detainee of suspicion under the Articles of the CCU:

• 15.2, 115.2 – attempted murder;
• 111-2.1 – aiding an aggressor state;
• 263.1 – illegal handling of weapons, ammunition, or explosives.

The perpetrator is in custody and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The special operation was carried out by the SSU Counterintelligence Department and the SSU Office in Mykolaiv region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.