Russian-led saboteurs plotting terror acts detained in Kharkiv – SBU

Source: Security Service of Ukraine

The Security Service of Ukraine said on Monday they have uncovered an “operational-combat group” working for Russian military intelligence in Kharkiv. In June, the suspects used explosives to blow up a Ukrainian soldier’s car, and were allegedly plotting new sabotage acts against Ukrainian troops.

The group of saboteurs included four Kharkiv locals: a software engineer, a former military serviceman, and two unemployed individuals. Acting under the guidance of a “DNR special forces” operative collaborating with Russia’s GRU, they targeted Ukrainian personnel and planned further attacks.

Their June plot saw them track the victim’s car and plant a homemade explosive device underneath it. The explosion inflicted critical injuries on the soldier.

After their first attack inflicted critical injuries on the Ukrainian serviceman, the group went about new acts of sabotage. They made another explosive device and were going to hide it in their forest cache. They were also tasked to plant explosives at the railways to derail a train carrying military equipment for Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

One of the saboteurs was caught attempting to hide the explosive device in a wooded area, while the others were detained at their residences.

All suspects can  face treason and sabotage charges under Art. 111, 263 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code.