The Security Service of Ukraine detained a killer who, on the instructions of Russian special services, was preparing an attempt on the life of a high-ranking official of the Ukrainian Navy in Odesa. The offender planned to ambush the officer near his house and shoot him with an AK-74 rifle. According to the investigation, the attack was to take place on the eve of 9 May.
SBU prevents attempted assassination attempt on Navy officer in Odesa
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported the detention of a killer who was preparing to assassinate a senior official of the Ukrainian Navy in Odesa. According to the intelligence service, the criminal was acting on the instructions of Russian special services and planned to commit the attack on the “9 May anniversary”.
The killer was supposed to ambush the officer near his residence and shoot him with an AK-74 rifle while he was driving his car.
Organisation of the attempt and identity of the suspect
According to the SBU, the detainee was a repeat offender from Donetsk region who had previously had problems with the law. He was recruited by Russian special services to commit this crime. Preparations for the attempted assassination were thorough: the offender studied the route and schedule of the military man's movement, as well as sought opportunities to safely leave the scene.
The investigation established that the killer had clear instructions on how to carry out the crime, as well as weapons and the necessary resources to implement the plan. The SBU managed to prevent the attempt at the preparation stage, detaining the suspect before he could carry out the attack.
Government response and further actions
Detention of a killer was yet another indication of the active counteraction of the Ukrainian special services to attempts to destabilise the situation in the region. SBU representatives emphasise that Russian special services do not stop trying to organise terrorist attacks and killings of Ukrainian soldiers, especially on the eve of symbolic dates for Russia.
Operational and investigative actions are ongoing to identify possible accomplices of the detainee and establish the full range of persons involved in the organisation of the crime. The issue of serving a notice of suspicion and choosing a measure of restraint is being settled.
Why it matters
The prevented attempt on the life of a senior Ukrainian Navy officer in Odesa demonstrates the growing threats posed by Russian special services, which are attempting to destabilise the situation in Ukraine by physically eliminating key military personnel. Such attempts are part of a hybrid war being waged against Ukraine not only at the front but also in the rear.
The SBU's efforts to identify and neutralise such threats help maintain stability in the regions and prevent possible losses among the military and civilians. The prevention of this crime demonstrates the effectiveness of Ukrainian special services in protecting state interests and the safety of citizens.
