As part of its systematic counter-sabotage operations, the Security Service of Ukraine has foiled a planned assassination on the orders of russia’s federal security service on Ukraine’s Independence Day. The SSU received the relevant intelligence through operational channels.

In particular, the SSU uncovered contacts between the deputy commander of the russian Volunteer Corps of the International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) with the russian intelligence services. This individual was tasked with preparing an assassination of a leader of the russian opposition movement who was due to arrive in Ukraine at that time.

According to the available evidence, while communicating with representatives of the russian intelligence services, this serviceman was tasked with eliminating other members of the Ukrainian Defence Forces in exchange for a monetary reward.

Thanks to the SSU’s proactive efforts, preparations for the crime were halted in time.

Subsequently, a series of counterintelligence verification measures involving the serviceman were carried out.

During this process, he admitted to having been in contact with the russian FSB and provided the SSU with key intelligence. This enabled the Security Service to identify everyone involved in the plotted crime.

The SSU documented the suspect’s texting with an FSB representative on his mobile phone.

As this military serviceman had admitted to having contact with the enemy service and cooperated with the investigation, no preventive measures were imposed on him.

While the SSU officers were carrying out urgent investigative actions to collect and secure evidence of the offence, an unacceptable conflict arose, which led to a shooting.

This should certainly not have happened.

The State Bureau of Investigations is currently investigating the incident. The Security Service is providing all possible assistance to ensure that the circumstances of the incident are established objectively and impartially.