Based on evidence collected by the Security Service of Ukraine, an agent of russian military intelligence (‘the GRU’), detained in February 2024 in Zaporizhzhia, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The investigation established that the perpetrator attempted to blow up a post office in the centre of the frontline town with an improvised explosive device.

The occupiers’ task was carried out by a 33-year-old employee of a local food industry enterprise who had been recruited by the enemy. He came to russia’s attention through an acquaintance who lives in the temporarily occupied part of the region and works for the GRU.

After the recruitment, the agent received instructions from his handler on how to make an improvised bomb using plastic explosives and remote detonators.

The terrorist was then to disguise the bomb in a food box and send the ‘order’ by courier delivery to the cargo department of a private postal company.

Upon arrival of the ‘parcel’ at its destination, the agent planned to activate the explosives by calling the phone that was attached to the IED.

The SSU Counterintelligence acted pre-emptively and detained the perpetrator while he was preparing for the attack and making the bomb at his home.

The investigation established that before the main task the traitor carried out a ‘test’ assignment – he drove around the city and photographed the locations of the Defence Forces.

A smartphone, which he used to contact his GRU handler in an anonymous messenger chat, was seized during the search.

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

• 28.1, 111.2 (high treason, committed by a group, upon prior conspiracy, under martial law);
• 14.1, 258.2 (preparation for a terrorist act).

The investigation was carried out by the SSU Office in Zaporizhzhia region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.