SBU detains Russian agent in Odesa who plotted killing of senior Ukrainian Navy officer ahead of 'Victory Day'

That is according to the SBU, Ukrinform reports.

According to the plan developed by Russian intelligence services, the murder was to take place on May 9 in order to create an information backdrop favorable to the Kremlin for the celebration of the so-called "Victory Day."

Investigators established that the assassin intended to ambush the Ukrainian serviceman near his residence and shoot him with an assault rifle. The attacker was planning to open fire when the officer was inside his car while leaving the yard.

The hostile agent was detained on Friday, May 8. According to the report, this was made possible "thanks to the round-the-clock proactive work of the SBU and timely information provided by a concerned citizen who contacted the Security Service hotline to report a suspicious individual."

The perpetrator turned out to be a resident of the Donetsk region recruited by Russian operatives, who had previously served a prison sentence for intentional murder. He came to the attention of the occupiers while searching for "easy money" in specialized Telegram channels.

After being recruited, the man arrived in Odesa, where he rented an apartment to prepare the assassination attempt. First, he monitored the residence of the Ukrainian serviceman, conducted reconnaissance of the surrounding area, and selected an ambush location. He then received coordinates of hiding places from his Russian handler, from which he retrieved an AK-74 assault rifle and two loaded magazines.

To conceal the weapon while moving around the city, the assassin used a bag with a double bottom.

During searches, law enforcement officers seized the assault rifle with ammunition and a mobile phone used by the suspect to coordinate his actions with the Russian intelligence officer.

SBU investigators have formally charged the suspect under Part 2 of Article 111 (treason committed under martial law) and Part 3 of Article 15 and Article 258 (uncompleted attempt to commit a terrorist attack) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The suspect is in custody. He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Photo credit: SBU