SBU nabs FSB agent plotting assassination of Ukrainian Employers’ Federation official

The suspect planned to detonate a homemade explosive device with remote control near the official’s apartment building in the morning as he left for work, investigators said.

Security officers foiled the plot and arrested the man after he conducted final reconnaissance at the intended site.

The suspect is a resident of Russian-occupied territory in Donetsk Oblast who was recruited in autumn 2025 by an FSB officer specializing in sabotage operations in Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities have identified the handler.

Following instructions from the Russian special service, the agent moved to Kyiv, rented an apartment and began tracking the target’s routines and locations. To avoid detection, he changed his appearance and clothing and communicated through anonymous messenger chats, the SBU said.

During searches, investigators seized a phone containing evidence of cooperation with the Russian side.

The man has been charged under Article 111, Part 2 (treason committed under martial law) and Article 15, Part 2, and Article 258, Part 2 (completed attempt at a terrorist act). He is in custody and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Charges have also been pressed against his FSB handler as an accomplice to the attempted terrorist act. Ukrainian law enforcement continues measures to bring him to justice.