Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) says it has dismantled a Russian covert unit that was allegedly planning a violent takeover of government institutions.
In a post on the Telegram messaging app, the SBU said that its military counterintelligence unit neutralized the group in a special operation in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, arresting its leader and deputy.
The Russian group reportedly had “over 70 firearms with optical sights, ammunition, and tactical gear.”
Ukrainian services said the group had been preparing since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion to storm government buildings and attack Ukrainian forces if Russian troops approached Odesa.
The group had been placed “on standby” but was reactivated in the summer of 2024 with new orders.
The group’s leader, a 49-year-old Crimea resident, allegedly moved to Odesa after Russia's annexation and began forming combat units under the guise of civic organizations.
These groups reportedly created sniper, reconnaissance, and assault teams.
The SBU said that members were promised positions in a Russian occupation administration if Odesa was captured. Over 20 individuals were allegedly recruited, operating under a military-style hierarchy.
During the operation, the SBU says it seized “instructions for sabotage,” weapons, and computer evidence.
The suspects now face up to 10 years in jail if found guilty of attempting to “overthrow the government” and “create illegal armed groups.”
The Russian group reportedly had “over 70 firearms with optical sights, ammunition, and tactical gear.”
Ukrainian services said the group had been preparing since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion to storm government buildings and attack Ukrainian forces if Russian troops approached Odesa.
The group had been placed “on standby” but was reactivated in the summer of 2024 with new orders.
The group’s leader, a 49-year-old Crimea resident, allegedly moved to Odesa after Russia's annexation and began forming combat units under the guise of civic organizations.
These groups reportedly created sniper, reconnaissance, and assault teams.
The SBU said that members were promised positions in a Russian occupation administration if Odesa was captured. Over 20 individuals were allegedly recruited, operating under a military-style hierarchy.
During the operation, the SBU says it seized “instructions for sabotage,” weapons, and computer evidence.
The suspects now face up to 10 years in jail if found guilty of attempting to “overthrow the government” and “create illegal armed groups.”
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