Ukrainian security forces said they have detained an FSB-linked agent who tried to kill a Ukrainian soldier recovering from a frontline injury.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police said the assailant had lured the soldier to an industrial area under the guise of a date arranged on a fake online profile.
Instead, the attacker, wearing a balaclava, struck the soldier six times with a knife to the neck, chest, abdomen, and leg before fleeing.
The victim was hospitalized in serious condition in intensive care. Authorities said they tracked and arrested the suspect within hours at a relative’s home, where he had tried to hide.
According to investigators, the 25-year-old local man was recruited by Russian intelligence through Telegram channels promising “easy money.” He reportedly carried out test arsons in the city before being tasked with the assassination.
Police recovered the knife used in the attack, as well as the suspect’s phone and tablet, which he used to communicate with FSB handlers.
The suspect faces charges of attempted premeditated murder and remains in custody. If convicted, he could face life in prison with confiscation of property.