The Ukrainian National Police have detained a 38-year-old man from Kyiv, identified as Andriy Yusov, who is suspected of preparing to assassinate a senior official from the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, allegedly at the behest of Russian intelligence services.
According to police sources, the individual, previously convicted for property crimes, was tasked with orchestrating a contract killing. Investigators report that he meticulously studied the official’s daily movements, residence, vehicles, and surrounding infrastructure.
As part of the alleged plot, the suspect intended to utilize an FPV drone for the assassination and began searching for an accomplice skilled in operating drones.
Reports indicate that the suspect was promised $100,000 for his services, with an initial payment of $10,000 already transferred as an advance.
The charges against him fall under Article 14, Part 2 of Article 115 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which pertains to the preparation for intentional murder for mercenary motives. The penalties for these offenses range from 10 to 15 years of imprisonment or life imprisonment.
Ongoing investigations are aimed at identifying additional individuals involved in the assassination plot. The National Police have confirmed that preliminary inquiries are still in progress.
This incident marks the second reported assassination attempt on Yusov. In February 2026, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, along with officials from the National Police and SBU, revealed that law enforcement agencies in Ukraine and Moldova had uncovered an organized group allegedly preparing to assassinate prominent Ukrainians and foreigners on behalf of Russian intelligence. Yusov was identified among the potential targets.
The arrest of a Kyiv resident suspected of plotting an assassination at the behest of Russian intelligence highlights ongoing security threats in Ukraine. The individual is charged with preparing for a contract killing, with investigations continuing to uncover further connections.