The SSU has apprehended a Russian-backed covert combat group that was planning a series of terrorist attacks in Kyiv before May 9th

Counterintelligence of the Security Service of Ukraine thwarted four terrorist attacks in Kyiv planned by a Russian-backed group, which were set to occur on May 9th. As part of a multi-stage special operation in the capital, agents of the Russian group were detained while setting up explosive devices in hypermarkets of a well-known chain and near a cafe.

According to available information, the homemade explosive devices were disguised in tea packages and consisted of a timer, detonator, and plastic explosive with an incendiary mixture intended to cause extensive fires. The Russian special services' plan was to detonate the explosives during peak hours of hypermarket visits to inflict maximum harm on civilians. Additionally, they intended to place the explosives among easily combustible materials to hinder rapid extinguishing of the fire.

Another planned attack was to occur near a popular café in Kyiv. Russian agents aimed to plant explosive devices in a parked car nearby.

In this way, the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU) sought to destabilize the situation in Ukraine and send a signal on May 9th, a symbolic day for them, about the alleged presence of a Russian underground awaiting the arrival of a "Russian peace" in Kyiv.

"By planning these terrorist acts, the Russian special services once again demonstrated their criminal nature. We acted preventively and timely disrupted the enemy's plans. Every step of the criminals has been documented, and they will face deserved punishment. As will anyone attempting to work in favor of the Russian Federation. Symbolically, the dates that the Russians want to associate with their terrorist acts gradually become a symbol of the failure of their special services," said SSU Head Vasyl Maliuk.

Counterintelligence of the Security Service determined that the coordinator of the terrorist acts for the Russian Federation was Yuriy Syzov, a GRU employee serving in military unit No. 92154.

He personally instructed recruited agents and even recorded a video tutorial on setting up an explosive device in one of the stores of the same chain in the Moscow region.

The SSU had been monitoring his activities for some time and systematically documented the criminal actions of the espionage.

Specifically, Yuriy Syzov was also responsible for planning a sabotage operation in Ukraine scheduled for February 2024 in the Lviv region. At that time, the SSU also acted preemptively and prevented explosions.

Currently, the Security Service has identified the entire network of this group, including the espionage-combat groups, smugglers who supplied explosives from the territory of the Russian Federation, and the direct executors of the terrorist act, who were caught in the act while setting up explosive devices in the third hypermarket.

They face potential life imprisonment.