SBU detains two Russian agents who were preparing strikes on TPPs, HPPs in Kyiv region
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained two Russian agents who were preparing strikes on thermal and hydroelectric power plants in the Kyiv region.
The SBU said this in a statement seen by Ukrinform.
To help guide Russian attacks on these facilities, the two suspects separately scouted the surrounding area, recorded the coordinates of energy infrastructure, and checked their technical condition after previous strikes.
The investigation found that the pair – unemployed men from the Odesa and Khmelnytsky regions, aged 19 and 21 – first came to the attention of Russia's military intelligence (GRU) after looking online for easy money in Telegram channels this autumn.
Following remote recruitment, Russia's military intelligence sent the agents to Kyiv and nearby districts to adjust a new wave of missile and drone attacks on the region.
During their reconnaissance trips, the operatives also photographed and marked the locations of local roadblocks on Google Maps.
SBU cyber specialists detained the agents in Kyiv while they were conducting additional reconnaissance of potential targets.
Searches uncovered smartphones containing anonymous messenger chats with their GRU handler.
Based on the collected evidence, SBU investigators informed both detainees that they are suspected under Part 2 of Article 111 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (high treason committed under martial law).
The men have been remanded in custody without bail. They face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
Photo credit: SBU