The Counterintelligence Service of the Security Service of Ukraine neutralized an agent-combat group of the Russian military intelligence (GRU) in Kharkiv. The operatives were carrying out terrorist attacks in the frontline city and spying on the Defense Forces units.
In June this year, the suspects detonated a car bomb targeting a Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman, causing severe injuries to the defender.
To carry out the attack, the suspects tracked the vehicle's parking location in Kharkiv and placed an improvised explosive device underneath it.
According to SSU counterintelligence, the Russian cell included four local residents: a Kharkiv-based software engineer, a former military officer, and two unemployed individuals.
The group's activities were coordinated by a member of the "DNR special forces" who is fighting on the eastern front against Ukraine and collaborating with the Russian GRU.
Under his direction, after the explosion targeting the Ukrainian soldier, the agents were preparing another attack against the Defense Forces.
They made another explosive device and attempted to hide it in a prearranged cache.
At the same time, the suspects were tasked with monitoring and sabotaging a train transporting military equipment to the front lines.
SSU counterintelligence documented the crimes committed by the Russian agents and arrested all four group members.
One of the suspects was detained "in the act" in a forest belt, where he attempted to hide a box containing an explosive device.
The other agents were apprehended at their residences. During searches, explosives, mobile phones, and computers with evidence of the crimes were seized.
The criminals are now in custody and face life imprisonment with asset confiscation.
