Ukraine's SBU foils alleged Russian FSB plot to assassinate activist

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on September 10 that it had detained a 19-year-old man suspected of plotting to assassinate prominent Ukrainian activist Hennadii Druzenko in Kyiv Oblast, acting on orders from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

Druzenko, a lawyer and co-founder of the First Volunteer Mobile Hospital, confirmed the incident occurred approximately a month and a half prior to the SBU's announcement. He also stated that Russian security services attempted to kill Ihor Obolienskyi, commander of Ukraine's Khartiia Corps, on the same day.

The suspect, a resident of Mykolaiv, has been charged with treason, preparing a contract killing, and illegal possession of weapons, according to the Prosecutor General's Office. The SBU reported that the FSB recruited the suspect after noticing his social media activity, which included posts supporting fascist and Nazi ideology. The suspect allegedly tracked Druzenko's routine and was provided with a weapons cache by the FSB, including a pistol, ammunition, and a suppressor. Investigators stated the plan was to shoot Druzenko during his morning walk.

SBU officers apprehended the suspect on July 31 in the Vyshhorod district of Kyiv Oblast as he was preparing for the alleged assassination. Searches yielded three pistols with suppressors, ammunition, and smartphones containing evidence of his alleged work for the FSB. The suspect is currently in custody and faces a potential life sentence if convicted.