An agent network of the Russian FSB’s elite unit, the Department of Counterintelligence Operations, was exposed in Kyiv. Its activities were coordinated by a former MP from the banned Party of Regions. One of the group’s goals was to eliminate journalist Dmitry Gordon. This was reported by Komersant ukrainskyi
with reference to the SBU press service.
The special service has identified the activities of four enemy agents: a former MP curator, a saboteur, a supplier of explosive devices and an agent involved in surveillance.
To disrupt the logistics of the defence forces, the agents planned a series of explosions on the tracks of Ukrzaliznytsia. In particular, the Russian secret service set them a task: to blow up one of the tracks in Kyiv region. The Armed Forces of Ukraine use it to transport equipment and personnel to the frontline regions. However, the SBU managed to prevent the sabotage, the statement said.
According to the investigation, in case of successful completion of hostile tasks, the former MP planned to expand his network and carry out sabotage virtually throughout Ukraine.
The agents also collected data on Ukrainian figures of interest to the FSB: places of residence and visits, daily schedule and social circle of certain individuals.
“All this is for the purpose of further physical elimination of these figures. Among those for whom Russian special services were preparing a contract killing was Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Gordon,” the SBU said.
The special service detained all four agents, including the former MP. They are in custody. During the searches, the SBU found communication equipment and electronic devices with evidence of intelligence and subversive activities in favour of Russia.
Depending on the crimes committed, the detainees were notified of suspicion under the following articles of the Criminal Code:
article 111 (high treason);
article 113 (sabotage);
article 258 (terrorist act).
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.