Based on evidence collected by the Security Service of Ukraine, a russian military intelligence agent, detained in November 2025, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The investigation established that he was preparing to blow up a main gas pipeline in eastern Ukraine and was spying on Ukraine’s Defence Forces.

On orders from the GRU, the agent was to plant an improvised explosive device near a key section of the gas lines supplying heat to the Kharkiv and Poltava regions.

The SSU identified the perpetrator at an early stage and detained him when he had prepared and was about to plant an IED at the site of the planned terrorist attack.

The task of the aggressor state was carried out by an unemployed Kharkiv resident recruited by the GRU. The man was spotted by them when he posted anti-Ukrainian comments on Telegram.

He maintained contact with the russian military intelligence through a ‘liaison’ – a militant of armed groupings in the Southern military district of the aggressor state.

Following his instructions, the agent personally constructed an improvised explosive device using available materials.

While preparing for the attack, the agent also gathered information on the bases and movements of the Defence Forces in the regional centre and toward the front lines.

During searches, a fully assembled IED was seized from the detainee, along with a smartphone containing evidence of collaboration with the enemy.

Based on the Security Service’s evidence, the court found the accused guilty under the Articles of the CCU:

• 28.2, 111.2 (high treason, committed under martial law, by a group, upon conspiracy);
• 263-1.1 (illegal manufacture of explosive substances and explosive devices);
• 263.1 (unauthorised storage of explosive devices);
• 14.1, 258.2 (preparation to commit a terrorist act by prior conspiracy, by a group).

The investigation was conducted by the SSU Kharkiv Office under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.