Investigations revealed that the perpetrator torched two AFU SUVs undergoing repairs after frontline missions.
Law enforcement officials determined the suspect to be an unemployed local resident. SBU noted that his handlers found him via Telegram, where he was looking for a way to make a quick buck.
The man was instructed by his Russian handlers to track military vehicles in Kharkiv and set fire to them. He first identified the parking spot of an AFU pickup, coordinated with his handler, and that night set the vehicle on fire using a flammable mixture prepared according to instructions.
The SBU added that the man filmed the arson on his phone to send in his reports to Russian authorities. Investigators say he destroyed another SUV the same way and was planning additional attacks on Defense Forces vehicles.
Authorities detained the suspect at his residence. During a search, law enforcement seized a smartphone used to photograph potential targets and coordinate with Russian intelligence.
The perpetrator was charged under Part 1 of Article 114‑1 (obstructing lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations during a special period) and Part 2 of Article 194 (intentional destruction or damage of property) of Ukraine’s Criminal Code.