The SSU Military Counterintelligence and investigators have apprehended another enemy arsonist in Kharkiv. Acting on russia’s orders, the perpetrator set fire to two Ukrainian Armed Forces SUVs in the frontline city.

As the investigation established, both vehicles were undergoing maintenance in the regional centre after combat missions on the front lines.

The contract arson was carried out by a local unemployed man, who was spotted by the occupiers while seeking ‘easy money’ on specialised Telegram channels.

The asset agreed to track down and destroy military vehicles in Kharkiv. First, he identified a parking location of a Ukrainian Armed Forces service pickup truck and coordinated its arson with the russian intelligence.

After that, the agent set the vehicle on fire at night using a flammable mixture he had prepared the day before according to instructions from his handler.

He recorded the fire on his phone to report to the russians.

Using a similar method, the arsonist destroyed a second Ukrainian military SUV and was preparing to continue a series of arson attacks on Defence Forces vehicles.

The SSU Military Counterintelligence caught him red-handed and detained him at his home.

A smartphone, which he used to photograph potential ‘targets’ and coordinate arson attacks with the ruscists, was seized during the search.

SSU investigators have notified the detainee of suspicion under two Articles of the CCU:

• 114-1.1 (obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations, during a special period);
• 194.2 (intentional destruction or damage to property).

The operation was carried out by the SSU Military Counterintelligence jointly with investigators of the SSU Office in Kharkiv Region under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.