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