Former nuclear plant worker detained for alleged sabotage plot on Kyiv power grid — SBU

The suspect allegedly planned to install a GPS tracker to guide Shahed drones toward critical energy infrastructure.

Investigators said the man previously worked at the Rivne nuclear facility and later came under the radar of Russian military intelligence. In spring 2025, he was allegedly approached by a career operative from the Moscow region who offered him money in exchange for cooperation.

The man agreed and received specific instructions from the Russians, the SBU said. His task was to place a tracking device on one of the power line pylons.

The signal from that device was intended to help guide drones in a strike designed to cut power to Kyiv and surrounding areas.

Before attempting the sabotage, the agent conducted reconnaissance on Ukrainian military units guarding the nuclear plant. He then secretly approached a pylon and tried to activate the GPS module — but SBU counterintelligence officers caught him in the act.

During a search, authorities said they seized the suspect’s phone, which contained evidence of communication with operatives from Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency.

He has been charged under Part 2 of Article 113 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code — sabotage under martial law — and placed in custody. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.