The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has apprehended a Russian agent believed to be involved in a plan to eliminate Andriy Biletsky, the commander of Ukraine’s Third Army Corps. This operation was conducted with the assistance of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the commander of drone forces.
According to reports, the SBU’s military counterintelligence unit thwarted attempts by Russian operatives to carry out a targeted missile strike on the general’s location in a combat zone. The arrested individual was reportedly coordinating with Russian intelligence to facilitate the attack.
To assist in the aerial assault, the Russian operatives recruited a drone operator from a different brigade stationed in the Kharkiv region. Investigations revealed that the agent sought to gather information regarding the timing and location of the general’s arrival at his unit’s positions.
The agent utilized his access to classified information and attempted to discreetly solicit sensitive data from colleagues. Concurrently, he was tasked with leaking the location of his brigade’s headquarters and training center, which were also targeted for a separate strike.
The SBU acted preemptively, uncovering the Russian informant during the early stages of his espionage activities. Subsequent operations documented his contacts with Russian forces and secured the relevant defense locations.
In the final phase of the operation, the agent was arrested within the military garrison. Authorities seized a smartphone that he used to communicate with enemy forces.
Investigations revealed that the individual had been recruited by Russian intelligence through his ex-wife, who resides in the temporarily occupied Zaporizhia region and works for Russian authorities. To maintain secrecy, the agent regularly deleted messages from his communications.
SBU investigators have charged the suspect under Part 2 of Article 111 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which pertains to treason committed in a state of war. The accused is currently in custody, facing a potential life sentence along with asset confiscation.
The SBU has arrested a Russian agent involved in a plot to assassinate a key Ukrainian military commander. This operation highlights ongoing espionage efforts amid the conflict.