Kyiv foils Russian plot: Entrepreneur arrested for planning strikes on military firms

Ukrainian security forces have detained a 59-year-old businessman accused of being recruited by Russia’s FSB and acting as a spotter for strikes on Kyiv.

The man was involved in producing armoured glass for Ukrainian military vehicles, a role that enabled him to visit defence enterprises under the guise of legitimate business activity, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

According to SBU, the agent was preparing a series of Russian aerial attacks on companies that repair and upgrade military transport. 

He reportedly toured facilities under the pretext of negotiating contracts for armoured glass production and technical specifications, while secretly marking the locations of production workshops on maps.

Plans allegedly included acquiring and secretly installing miniature cameras on the premises of potential targets, allowing Russian intelligence to monitor the impact of attacks on Ukrainian sites.

SBU officers identified the agent in time, documented his contacts with the FSB, and arrested him at his residence. Security measures were simultaneously implemented at the targeted defence enterprises.

Investigations suggest that Russian intelligence took an interest in the man after he posted pro-Kremlin comments on Telegram. Searches of his property uncovered a smartphone, computer equipment, and contracts with the enterprises he had attempted to mark for potential strikes.

Based on evidence gathered, the SBU has charged the man with “high treason under martial law.” He remains in custody without the possibility of bail and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of assets.

By Aghakazim Guliyev