The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) together with the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conducted a successful special operation in Odessa, which resulted in the detention of the head of the operational-combat group of the Russian military intelligence (GRU) and his assistant. The operation took place against the backdrop of preparations for the forcible seizure of state institutions in the Odessa region, which was planned by the Russian special services.
The detainees were found to have more than 70 firearms, ammunition, and tactical equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets. According to the SBU, the group was activated in the summer of 2024 after the occupiers' failures at the front, receiving new secret tasks.
The group, led by a 49-year-old resident of temporarily occupied Crimea, was formed under the guise of public organizations, dealing with issues of military history, ecology, and jurisprudence. However, in reality, the participants created underground units, including snipers and an assault group. In the event of the capture of Odessa, the participants were promised “positions” in the occupation administration.
In total, the enemy cell included more than two dozen people who acted according to the principles of military hierarchy. Currently, all those detained are under investigation, and measures are being taken to hold them accountable for crimes against Ukraine.
During the searches, instructions for subversive activities, cold weapons, as well as computer equipment with evidence of crimes were seized from the suspects. The detainees were informed of suspicion under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provides for up to 10 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.
