SBU Foils Russian-Backed Assassination Plot Against Major General and "Hero of Ukraine"

Ukraine’s SBU detains two Russian agents in the Zhytomyr region for plotting the assassination of a Major General. The suspects were recruited via Telegram.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 9:14 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Interfax Ukraine

Preventing a High Profile Political Assassination

In a coordinated counter-intelligence operation, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) successfully thwarted a contract killing aimed at a prominent Major General who holds the "Hero of Ukraine" distinction. The SBU revealed on Tuesday that the plot was orchestrated by Russian special services, who sought to liquidate one of the highest-ranking officers within the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The timely intervention by the special service and the National Police prevented the attack during its final preparation stages, ensuring the safety of the senior military official whose leadership has been critical to the nation’s defense.

Recruitment of Local Suspects Through Digital Channels

The investigation identified the would-be hitmen as two residents of the Korostyshiv area in the Zhytomyr region. According to official case materials, the suspects were drug addicts who were initially drawn into the Russian orbit through Telegram channels offering "easy money" for various tasks. Seeking funds to support their narcotics habits, the individuals were recruited by a Russian handler who gradually moved them from minor assignments to the coordination of a high-stakes assassination. This method of recruitment highlights a persistent tactic by Russian intelligence to exploit vulnerable populations for domestic sabotage and violence.

The Logistics of a Coordinated Ambush Plan

The suspects reportedly conducted extensive reconnaissance near the Major General’s residence to establish his daily movements and security protocols. The SBU established that the assassination plan involved an ambush attack near the general's home. To facilitate the hit, the agents were awaiting geolocation data from their Russian handler that would lead them to a concealed cache of firearms. The preemptive detention occurred just as the suspects were preparing to retrieve the weapons and move into their final positions, effectively neutralizing the cell before they could engage their target.