The SSU Counterintelligence has prevented russia’s attempts to cut off heat supply to part of households in Kharkiv and Poltava regions.

As a result of pre-emptive actions, an agent of russian military intelligence (‘the GRU’) was detained while preparing to blow up a main gas pipeline in eastern Ukraine.

As the investigation established, the perpetrator was to plant an improvised explosive device near the junction of gas lines that supply heat to both oblasts.

The enemy accomplice is an unemployed Kharkiv resident who came to the GRU’s attention after posting anti-Ukrainian comments on Telegram.

There, he was approached by a militant of the so-called ‘DPR special forces’ who is fighting against Ukraine on the eastern front and cooperating with the russian GRU.

Following his instructions, the asset purchased components and made an IED. For secrecy, he set up a place to manufacture the bomb at his parents’ house in Berestyn district of Kharkiv region.

The SSU Counterintelligence documented the agent’s sabotage activities and apprehended him at the final stage of making the IED.

The assembled explosive device and a smartphone with evidence of working for the enemy were seized during the search.

Based on the evidence, investigators of the Security Service notified the detainee of suspicion under Articles 14.1 and 258.2 of the CCU (preparation for the commission of a terrorist act, by a group, upon prior conspiracy).

The decision to qualify his actions as high treason committed under martial law is pending.

The suspect is in custody without bail and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Kharkiv Office under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.