Photo: ssu.gov.ua
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police apprehended an FSB agent who attempted to assassinate a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer in Zaporizhzhia, according to an SBU press release.
The operation, carried out in a frontline city, prevented a contract killing targeting a serviceman undergoing rehabilitation after being wounded on the frontlines. Investigations revealed that Russian intelligence initially lured the officer into an industrial area under the pretext of a “date” with a woman he had met on a dating site.
Instead, a masked hitman attacked the officer from behind, delivering six blows to the neck, chest, abdomen, and right leg. The assailant fled the scene. The officer was hospitalized in critical condition with deep stab wounds.
Within hours, SBU officers located and detained the assailant at a relative’s residence, where he had tried to hide. The 25-year-old local man, unemployed at the time, had been recruited by the FSB through Telegram channels after performing “test” arson attacks in the city. He received the target’s location from his Russian handler.
Evidence seized includes a knife discarded at the crime scene, as well as a smartphone and tablet used to communicate with the FSB.
The suspect has been charged under Part 3 of Article 15 and Part 2 of Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (attempted premeditated murder) and remains in custody. He faces life imprisonment with asset confiscation.
This incident follows several recent SBU operations detaining Russian agents in Ukraine, including attempts to carry out bombings and drone attacks.
