The war in Ukraine has spilled over into every aspect of life in the region, fueling accusations of espionage and sabotage.
In Russia, where state security has tightened dramatically, cases of alleged “terrorism” and “treason” have multiplied.
For the accused, these trials often come with little transparency and severe penalties.
This week, a Russian military court sentenced Viktoria Cinkaruk, a former government employee, and Aleksandr Holodkov to 21 years in prison, according to Digi24.
The court found them guilty of belonging to a “terrorist group” and planning attacks on Russian soil, allegedly at the direction of Ukrainian handlers.
Both Cinkaruk and Holodkov pleaded not guilty, claiming they were framed by Russian authorities.
Undercover Agent Posed as Supporter
According to Russian investigators, the duo planned to carry out attacks in Russia using explosives.
Authorities claimed the two communicated with Ukrainian intelligence operatives through encrypted messages.
Cinkaruk allegedly received 107,000 rubles (approximately €1,000) from her ex-husband in Ukraine. She claimed she passed the money to a third party without knowing how it would be used.
Holodkov, identified as a childhood friend of Cinkaruk’s ex-husband, was accused of receiving 500,000 rubles to facilitate the attacks.
The third party in the case, according to testimony, turned out to be an undercover agent for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). This agent reportedly posed as a supporter of Ukraine to gain their trust.
During the trial, Cinkaruk maintained her innocence.
“I would never have contacted a terrorist group. I am against violence,” she testified.
Her lawyer argued she had no knowledge of the alleged plot.
SOTAvision, an independent Russian news outlet, questioned the FSB’s account, citing inconsistencies in the evidence. The outlet suggested the operation might have been a case of entrapment.
