Ukraine Foils Assassination Plot Linked to Russian GRU

On March 24, 2024, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced the elimination of a hitman allegedly working for Russia's military intelligence agency (GRU) and the arrest of over ten co-conspirators involved in a plot to assassinate high-profile Ukrainian figures. The operation, which involved military counterintelligence and special forces, was coordinated by Oleksandr Poklad, the First Deputy Head of the SBU. The suspects are charged with treason, collaboration, and preparation for a terrorist act, among other offenses, and face life imprisonment without the possibility of bail.

Kyiv IndependentSBU eliminated GRU killer and foiled contract killings

The SBU reported that the assassination targets included Serhii Sternenko, an advisor to Ukraine's Defense Minister and a prominent activist, and Ilya Bogdanov, a Russian national fighting for Ukraine. The alleged hitman, a native of the occupied Donetsk Oblast, was trained at a Russian military base and tasked with creating improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to target these individuals. If the IEDs failed, he was instructed to shoot the victims at close range. The group tracked the movements of their targets and communicated this information to a forensic expert from Poltava, who served as the group's leader and reported to Russian special services.

Kyiv IndependentSBU eliminated GRU killer and foiled contract killingsSBU managed to eliminate a Russian agent network operating through religious communities and prevent assassination attempts - Zelenskyy

During the operation, authorities confiscated firearms, ammunition, surveillance equipment, and other materials that provided evidence of the group's activities. The suspects were reportedly gathering intelligence on the Armed Forces of Ukraine and recording the aftermath of Russian attacks, sending this information to their Russian contacts via messaging apps. The SBU's actions were part of a broader effort to dismantle Russian influence networks operating within Ukraine, including those that exploited religious communities.

Kyiv IndependentSBU eliminated GRU killer and foiled contract killings

Ruslan Kravchenko, Ukraine's Prosecutor General, emphasized the seriousness of the charges against the suspects, stating, "Assistance to an aggressor state is inexcusable. Traitors will be held accountable under the law." President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the SBU to combat enemy agent networks and expressed gratitude for their protective measures.

SBU managed to eliminate a Russian agent network operating through religious communities and prevent assassination attempts - Zelenskyy

While the operation has been largely praised within Ukraine, some critics argue that the SBU's methods and the potential for overreach in counterintelligence operations could lead to violations of civil liberties. Concerns have been raised about the balance between national security and individual rights, particularly in the context of ongoing conflict.

SBU eliminated GRU killer and foiled contract killings

There are no significant conflicting reports regarding the details of this operation. However, the SBU has not disclosed specific details about the identities of all arrested individuals or the full extent of the group's activities, leaving some gaps in the public understanding of the situation.

SBU eliminated GRU killer and foiled contract killings

• "Thanks to the SBU. I'm fine. Unlike the hitman. Russia should burn." — Serhii Sternenko, Advisor to Ukraine's Defense Minister

Kyiv Independent

• "Assistance to an aggressor state is inexcusable. Traitors will be held accountable under the law." — Ruslan Kravchenko, Prosecutor General of Ukraine

Kyiv Independent

This operation underscores Ukraine's ongoing efforts to counteract Russian intelligence operations and protect its national security amidst the ongoing conflict.

SBU eliminated GRU killer and foiled contract killings