As a result of a multi-stage special operation in Kyiv and Sumy region, the SSU Counterintelligence dismantled a reconnaissance and sabotage group of the fsb.

Members of the group carried out reconnaissance of the sites of deployment and movement of Ukrainian troops in the capital and in the border areas of the north-east of Ukraine.

A major task of the enemy saboteurs was to collect personal data and intelligence on location of the commanders of the combat units of the Special Operations Forces of the AFU.

The aggressor planned to use this information to prepare and carry out physical elimination of Ukrainian defenders and destroy their weapons and military equipment.

According to the investigation, the group was formed by an fsb officer to conduct reconnaissance and sabotage activities against Ukraine.

It included a resident of a border district of Sumy region recruited by the russian special service after the full-scale invasion began.

This individual was in direct contact with the russian ‘supervisor’ to coordinate the group’s activity. For communication, they used secure electronic communication channels.

Following fsb’s instructions, the agent involved another local. The man came to the occupiers’ attention because of his pro-kremlin views and provocative statements.

To gather intelligence, the spies used their connections in the region, who unwittingly provided them with intelligence. Members of the group also traveled around the border area and carried out covert surveillance of the units of the Defence Forces.

In addition, one of the agents traveled to Kyiv, where he tried to covertly take photos and video footage of locations of Ukrainian defenders and pass the relevant coordinates to russia.

However, the SSU promptly exposed the offenders, documented their criminal actions and detained the saboteurs when they were picking up weapons from a pre-arranged cache in Sumy region.

During the inspection of the cache, the SSU found:

• 2 TM-62M anti-tank mines with fuses;
• 2 RGO combat grenades with fuses;
• a Kalashnikov rifle with a loaded magazine.

The enemy agents planned to use these weapons to commit sabotage in the region.

During the searches at the suspects’ homes, the SSU found computer equipment and mobile phones with evidence of their communication with the fsb.

SSU investigators notified the detainees of suspicion of crimes under Articles of the CCU:

• 111.2 (high treason committed under martial law),
• 114-2.2 (unauthorized dissemination of information on sending, movement of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, movement, transfer or deployment of the AFU or other lawful military formations, committed under martial law).

Court is to decide on custody as a measure of restraint. The decision on additional classification of criminal actions of one of the suspects is pending. Further, he may be notified of suspicion of preparation to commit sabotage under martial law (Articles 14.1, 113.2 of the CCU).

The SSU Office in Sumy Region carried out the operation under the procedural supervision of the regional prosecutor’s office.