Camilla Jessen
A Russian FSB agent is in custody after a string of sabotage acts and an alleged plot to assassinate a Ukrainian regional leader for a cash reward.
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A Russian spy has been arrested in Kharkiv, suspected of killing a Ukrainian soldier, committing sabotage, and plotting attacks on top Ukrainian officials — including the regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov.
Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office and the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor reported on April 8 that the suspect is a 55-year-old man from Yevpatoria.
He had several past convictions and openly supported Russian views.
In 2015, he moved to Belgorod, Russia, where he agreed to work with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). He was later sent to Ukraine to carry out sabotage missions.
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In February 2024, he entered Kharkiv to complete his first assignment: the murder of a Ukrainian soldier. The following month, he shot the soldier in the back near an apartment building. The victim died at the scene.
He then carried out multiple acts of sabotage.
In March, he threw a grenade near the Shevchenkivskyi District Administration and later planted an explosive near a medical commission building.
Both incidents caused property damage.
In October, he tried to kill Viacheslav Zadorenko, head of the Derhachi City Military Administration, by placing an explosive under his car.
The device was found in time, and no one was hurt.
He also planned to assassinate Governor Syniehubov using explosives. Investigators say the FSB had promised him $50,000 for the attack. But after realizing he was being watched, the suspect delayed the plan and instead set fire to two military vehicles in Kharkiv.
Later that month, he attempted to flee by train but was arrested by Ukrainian law enforcement.
The suspect now faces multiple charges, including treason, murder for hire, terrorism, sabotage, and illegal possession of weapons.
If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison. He remains in custody without bail.
Previously, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) stopped a Russian-planned bombing at a Kyiv hardware store during peak hours. According to SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk, Russia’s military intelligence also plotted to assassinate him and other Ukrainian leaders.
