Counterintelligence of the Security Service of Ukraine thwarted an attempt by Russian operatives to cut off heating supplies to households in Kharkiv and Poltava regions.
As a result of preemptive measures, an agent of Russian military intelligence (GRU) was detained while preparing to sabotage a main gas pipeline in eastern Ukraine.
Investigations revealed that the agent planned to plant an improvised explosive device (IED) near a key section of the gas network supplying both regions with heat.
According to case materials, the perpetrator was an unemployed resident of Kharkiv who came to the attention of the Russian forces after posting anti-Ukrainian comments on Telegram channels. He was contacted by a fighter of the so-called "DNR special forces," who is fighting against Ukraine on the eastern front and cooperating with Russian GRU.
Following instructions, the agent purchased components for the explosive device and assembled it himself, setting up a clandestine "workshop" in his parents’ house in the Berestynskyi district of Kharkiv region.
SSU counterintelligence documented the agent’s subversive activities in stages and arrested him at the final stage of bomb assembly.
During searches, authorities seized the armed IED and a smartphone containing evidence of his work for the Russia.
Based on collected evidence, investigators charged the suspect under Part 1 of Article 14 and Part 2 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (preparation for a terrorist act by prior conspiracy).
Additional charges related to treason committed under martial law are being considered.
The suspect remains in custody without the possibility of bail and faces life imprisonment with property confiscation.
