Law enforcement agencies in Ukraine have thwarted the activities of a key intermediary in the case of preparing a contract killing of a representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense. The suspect is a 34-year-old former serviceman who acted as a link between Russian clients and the perpetrators on Ukrainian territory.
As reported by RBK-Ukraine citing the National Police, the suspect acted as a liaison, transmitting instructions and coordinating the actions of the criminal group. According to the investigation, it was he who guaranteed the payment of the reward, convincing accomplices of the reliability of the deal.
Financial Scheme and Motivation
The investigation established that for the implementation of the plan to eliminate a high-ranking officer, the Russian side promised to pay $100,000. Part of these funds had already been transferred in advance through cryptocurrency services. These funds were used to finance intelligence operations, the search for hired killers, and the acquisition of weapons.
The detained man, who was in constant contact with the organizer of the assassination, systematically pushed accomplices to continue criminal activity. His role involved not only the transmission of information but also psychological pressure on the perpetrators, urging them to seek means of destruction and implement the clients' instructions.
Arrest Operation
On June 18, 2026, operatives of the Criminal Investigation Department and investigators of the Main Investigative Department of the National Police, with the support of the special unit "TOR," conducted a sanctioned search at the suspect's residence in the Kyiv region. During the investigative actions, a mobile phone and other material evidence relevant to the criminal proceedings were seized.
The man was detained under Article 615 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. He was officially notified of suspicion of preparing intentional murder committed by order and for mercenary motives, as well as instigating the commission of this crime. Upon the request of the investigators, the court selected detention as the preventive measure.
Investigation Context
Previously, in February 2026, it became known about the prevention of a series of contract killings of Ukrainian military and political figures prepared by Russian special services. One of the main targets on the list was Andriy Yushov — a representative for strategic communications of the GUR and Deputy Chairman of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
Andriy Yushov himself previously commented on these events, thanking the special services for their work and noting that he perceives assassination attempts as an assessment of the effectiveness of his activities. Currently, law enforcement officers continue to identify all persons involved in the organization and preparation of this crime.