The Security Service of Ukraine has thwarted another attempt by Russia to launch a fire attack on the locations of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the near-frontline area of Dnipropetrovsk region. Among the main targets were the combat positions of the Ukrainian Air Defense Forces defending Kryvyi Rih and the surrounding areas.
To adjust missile strikes on the Ukrainian Armed Forces' objects, the Russian forces remotely involved their informant, a 27-year-old local resident. His actions were coordinated by a Kremlin "war correspondent" who is part of Putin's media pool and collaborates with Russian intelligence. At the instruction of the hostile propagandist, his accomplice toured the area, attempting to identify the locations of radar stations and anti-aircraft missile complexes. Additionally, the young man marked the locations of Ukrainian checkpoints and military vehicle repair bases on Google Maps. The information obtained was planned to be transmitted to the occupiers via the Russian "war correspondent" through messaging apps.
However, the Security Service timely exposed the enemy's accomplice and apprehended him in the act while conducting reconnaissance near the potential target. A mobile phone with electronic maps of the area, where he marked locations for the preparation of the RF air attack, was seized from the detainee.
Moreover, during the search at his residence, an AK-74 rifle with silencers and ammunition was found.
According to the investigation, the detainee spread anti-Ukrainian comments on Telegram channels and thus caught the attention of the Russian propagandist earlier this year.
Currently, the Security Service investigators have informed the detainee of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 114-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (unauthorized dissemination of information on the direction, movement, or placement of weapons, armaments, and military supplies in Ukraine, the movement or placement of the Ukrainian Armed Forces).
Additionally, the issue of additional qualification of the perpetrator's criminal actions under Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition, or explosives) is being addressed.
The perpetrator is in custody and faces up to 12 years in prison.