In Kyiv, law enforcement agencies thwarted the activities of a Russian intelligence agent who was preparing a contract killing of a high-ranking official from the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. The arrest operation was carried out by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department with the support of special forces.

Although the official's surname is not disclosed in official statements by the National Police, RBC-Ukraine sources report that the target of the assassination attempt was Andriy Yushov — the representative for strategic communications of the GUR.

Details of the Conspiracy: From Recruitment to Weapon Selection

According to the investigation, Russian intelligence services recruited a 38-year-old Kyiv resident, offering him a large reward for committing a particularly serious crime. The sum promised for the elimination of the head of a structural subdivision of the GUR amounted to $100,000 USD. At the preparation stage, the suspect had already received $10,000 as an advance.

The agent, who had previously been held criminally liable for property crimes, began thorough reconnaissance. He gathered information about the official's daily routine, studied his travel routes, place of residence, vehicles used, and the surrounding infrastructure.

The chosen method of murder was a strike using an FPV drone. The suspect began searching for an executor possessing drone piloting skills to implement the plan.

Arrest and Physical Evidence

Investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department and the Criminal Police, acting in tandem with prosecutors, detained the suspect before the crime was committed. During a search of his residence, key pieces of evidence were seized:

  • Mobile phones;
  • GPS tracker;
  • Car;
  • Other physical evidence confirming the preparation for the terrorist act.

Investigators from the Main Investigative Department of the National Police informed the detainee of the suspicion under Part 1 of Article 14 (preparation for a crime) and Part 2 of Article 115 (intentional murder) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The penalty provides for imprisonment for a term of 10 to 15 years or life imprisonment.

History of Persecutions

This is not the first time Andriy Yushov has become a target for Russian intelligence services. In February 2026, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, the SBU, and Moldovan colleagues prevented a series of contract killings of Ukrainian military personnel and public figures. At that time, as reported by Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko, Yushov was also on the list of targets for Russian agents.

Currently, the pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Investigators are actively searching for other individuals who may have been involved in organizing the assassination attempt.