Based on the evidence collected by the Security Service of Ukraine, two members of an FSB sabotage and reconnaissance group, which the SSU neutralised in the Kyiv region in June 2024, have been sentenced to life imprisonment with confiscation of property. A third perpetrator from the same group has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The investigation revealed that members of the cell operated jointly in several regions of Ukraine under the coordination of a russian intelligence officer.

Following his instructions, the agents monitored Ukraine’s energy and military infrastructure, which russia was preparing to target with missile strikes.

They also sought out and recruited potential spotters for russia’s federal security service, as well as operatives to carry out contract sabotage and terrorist attacks.

The organiser of the agent network, who had been recruited by the enemy, is a resident of the Obukhiv district, Kyiv region. He came to the enemy’s attention when he posted anti-Ukrainian comments in chats on Telegram.

Subsequently, he enlisted his brother and another relative to collaborate with russia. The traitors then set fire to equipment at four electrical substations in the Kyiv region.

They also planned to derail a freight train in the same region.

However, the SSU detained all three traitors at an early stage in their preparations for this sabotage operation.

During the searches of the suspects’ premises, seven pistols with ammunition, combat grenades, drugs and smartphones containing evidence of their work for the FSB were found.

Based on evidence, the court found the accused guilty under the Articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine:

• 28.2, 111.2 (high treason, committed by a group, by prior conspiracy, under martial law);
• 113.2 (sabotage, committed by a group, by prior conspiracy, under martial law);
• 263.1 (unlawful handling of weapons, ammunition, or explosive substances);
• 309.2 (unlawful production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transport, or dispatch of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, or their analogues, committed by a group, by prior conspiracy).

The investigation was conducted under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General and the Obukhiv District Prosecutor’s Office.