SBU detains 2 drug addicts from Zhytomyr region preparing assassination of Hero of Ukraine for Russia

State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) counterintelligence and the National Police thwarted the contract killing of a Hero of Ukraine, a Major General of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, the SBU reports.

The Ukrainian special service noted on Telegram on Tuesday that joint operations led to the detention of two Russian agents in Zhytomyr region who were preparing to liquidate the Ukrainian soldier.

The investigation found that the suspects conducted reconnaissance near the serviceman’s home and coordinated the assassination plan with Russian special services.

"Next, they awaited a geolocation from their Russian handler for a cache where they were to collect firearms for an ambush attack on the Ukrainian general near his residence," the agency specified.

SBU and National Police officers acted preemptively, detaining both hitmen during the preparation stage.

"According to the case materials, two drug addicts from Korostyshiv recruited by Russia carried out the order," the SBU informs.

The suspects caught the attention of Russia through Telegram channels where they sought "easy money for a dose," according to the Ukrainian special service.

The SBU clarified that after recruitment, Russian special services gave the agents "test tasks." Specifically, investigators established that both suspects were involved in at least two murders in Ukraine’s northern region.

During searches, smartphones were seized containing evidence of their contacts with Russian special services and preparations for the attack on the serviceman.

The detainees have been notified of suspicion under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Part 2 of Art. 111 (state treason committed under martial law) and paragraphs 6, 12 of Part 2 of Art. 115 (premeditated murder committed for mercenary motives by prior conspiracy by a group of persons).

The perpetrators remain in custody.

The comprehensive measures were carried out by SBU officers in Zhytomyr region together with the National Police under the procedural guidance of the Zhytomyr Regional Prosecutor’s Office.