Two Ukrainian soldiers killed in suspected FSB poisoning plot, 17-year-old detained
Ukrainian police have detained a 17-year-old girl suspected of helping Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) send lethal doses of methadone to Ukrainian service members. Two soldiers died, while police say they prevented four further killings.
The National Police reported on October 23 that the teenager, detained in Zhytomyr Oblast, allegedly packaged drugs and mailed them to recipients using false sender information under instructions from a Russian handler.
According to investigators, the organizers contacted Ukrainian service members through Telegram and offered them free drugs. After receiving the packages, the recipients were instructed to consume the contents on camera, unaware that the capsules contained lethal doses of methadone, a synthetic opioid.
Two service members died from poisoning in Zhytomyr Oblast. During the investigation, police identified four other intended recipients in Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk oblasts, preventing further suspected killings.
Investigators say the teenager was promised at least 5,000 hryvnias ($120) for carrying out the assignments.
She has been notified of suspicion of complicity in the premeditated murder of two people acting in prior conspiracy, as well as illegally distributing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. If convicted, she faces up to 15 years in prison.
Police are also investigating her possible involvement in other offenses.
The National Police said the two soldiers who died had left their military units without authorization, while those whose suspected killings were prevented remained in service.
Authorities urged service members to exercise caution when receiving food, drinks, medication or other substances from unfamiliar people and to report suspicious approaches to police.