Ukraine, Moldova foil Russian plot to assassinate journalists, military figures
Ukrainian and Moldovan law enforcement dismantled a Russian agent-combat group preparing high-profile assassinations in Ukraine, primarily targeting journalists, public figures and military personnel from the Main Intelligence Directorate’s Foreign Legion, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Prosecutor General’s Office and National Police announced on Friday.
The large-scale special operation “Enigma 2.0” neutralized the network across both countries.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko identified one intended victim as Andriy Yusov, the Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate strategic communications representative and deputy head of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
Other targets included a prominent journalist listed as an “extremist” and wanted in Russia, as well as a Russian national who adopted a pro-Ukrainian stance.
The group planned killings by close-range shootings or car bombings, with Russian handlers promising up to $100,000 per successful hit depending on the target’s status.
Who is featured?
Seven people were detained in Ukraine, while three more were detained in Moldova — the organizer of the network and two of his accomplices.
The ringleader (resident) of the cell is said to be a 34-year-old repeat offender from Moldova. Among those detained are his accomplices from Ukraine, the EU, and the unrecognized "Transnistria."
The investigation established that the main suspect was recruited by Russian special services while serving a sentence in a Russian prison. After his release, he was sent to Moldova to form an agent-combat group under the control of the Russian Federation. He selected "like-minded people" with pro-Kremlin views. They recruited young men, mostly those who had studied at military educational institutions.
How did the group operate?
Agents were divided into surveillance teams tracking targets’ routines and “hitmen” tasked with carrying out murders.
They entered Ukraine posing as tourists, rented apartments in various regions and stayed in constant contact with the ringleader.
Funding came through cryptocurrency wallets and foreign bank cards.
To gather intelligence, agents posed as delivery couriers, photographing and filming targets’ homes, routes, security levels and daily schedules.
Russian services aimed to use the killings to spread panic and destabilize Ukraine’s socio-political situation, the SBU said.
Searches in Kyiv and Odesa yielded communications devices, weapons, equipment and other evidence.
Charges
Suspects face charges under several Criminal Code articles, including preparation for contract murder (Part 1 Art. 14, Point 11 Part 2 Art. 115) and illegal handling of weapons or explosives (Part 1 Art. 263), punishable by life imprisonment with property confiscation.
Additional qualifications are under consideration.
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