Ukraine’s security agency nabs a Russian sabotage coordinator in Kyiv
Source: SBU
Ukraine’s Security Service, the SBU, said on Friday they have arrested a Russian GRU agent accused of orchestrating arson attacks on military vehicles in Kyiv. The plot was part of a Russian intelligence’s campaign to stir public unease in Ukraine to “Russia’s advantage”.
According to the SBU, the agent was responsible for coordinating the recruited arsonists and providing instructions on making incendiary devices. She was caught in the act while attempting to film one of the arson attacks.
To uncover the sabotage plot, the SBU used a “double agent”—a local resident previously suspected of preparing an arson attack—to help identify the spy. Evidence seized includes a homemade incendiary device and a mobile phone with proof of her activities.
The suspet, who had relocated to Kyiv from occupied Tokmak, had been contacted by a GRU officer offering money for her collaboration.
The lady is now facing charges of state treason under Article 111, Part 2 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code. If convicted, she faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.
Amendments to Ukraine’s enforcement proceedings legislation, initiated by the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, have entered into force. Among other measures, the reform provides for the automated lifting of attachments on bank accounts immediately after debts in enforcement proceedings have been fully settled. The main practical benefit for citizens is the complete elimination of the need to contact an enforcement officer in person and wait for paper decisions once the debt has been paid.
The 157th Separate Mechanized Brigade has received another batch of supplies as part of Rinat Akhmetov’s Steel Front military initiative. This time, the military received seven quad bikes and four mobile shower and bath units.
In my previous column, I wrote about social innovations in Ukraine. Those innovations are part of civic resilience and the democratization of security, which Europe is paying close attention to right now. The EU is trying to work out how to spread responsibility for its own security across society as a whole, rather than leaving it to institutions alone. It is looking for concrete ways to bring ordinary people into the work of defense and resistance.
Petro Poroshenko’s lawyers have appealed to the High Anti-Corruption Court demanding that NABU be obligated to register proceedings regarding the fact of exerting influence on the court and to recognize Petro Poroshenko as a victim in the case of the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Iryna Mudra, due to her pressure on Supreme Court judges who were considering a lawsuit to overturn sanctions.
Internationally recognized brands and financial institutions should direct capital to Ukraine now, not waiting for the hostilities to end. This was emphasized by Rinat Akhmetov, president of FC Shakhtar, during a working visit to UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, where he met with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.