In Rivne Region, officers of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained a man who, according to investigators, was preparing to carry out a sabotage at critical infrastructure facilities in the region, executing malicious orders from Russian intelligence agencies
The incident occurred in the city of Varash and underscores the growing threat posed by the enemy, who continues to deliberately attempt to destabilize the situation in Ukraine even amid active hostilities. According to official data received from the SBU and the Office of the General Prosecutor, the man was detained as part of an investigation initiated under a sabotage article—part 2 of Article 113 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. A source within the law enforcement agencies reports that the suspect was recruited via the Telegram platform by a representative of Russian intelligence, who offered him monetary compensation in exchange for assistance in preparing attacks on regional infrastructure objects. Investigators established that the suspect is a former employee of the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant, who had been dismissed prior to the beginning of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine. In March 2025, he was approached by an agent of the Russian military intelligence from the Moscow region. At that time, preliminary information indicates that the interlocutor hinted at the possibility of cooperation and promised financial reward upon completion of specific tasks. From the list of instructions provided to the detained individual, it emerged that he was to install a GPS tracker on one of the supports of a high-voltage power line. This would have given the enemy the ability to adjust drone-kamikaze strikes on key infrastructure—electricity generation facilities and transmission lines—that ensure uninterrupted energy supply to the Ukrainian power system. The reconnaissance and area analysis included studying the locations of Ukrainian military units and security services responsible for the safety of the nuclear power plant. During the execution of his task, at the moment he planned to attach the GPS tracker to the support pole, he was detained by SBU officers. During a search, a mobile phone serving as a communication channel with Russian intelligence was confiscated from him. This provided further proof of criminal activity and confirmed the motives behind the spy network. The suspect was officially notified of suspicion under the sabotage article during martial law. He remains in custody without the possibility of bail. Law enforcement officials affirm that the criminal faces the maximum punishment—a life sentence with property confiscation, which is the penalty for such especially serious crimes against national security. This incident once again confirms the high level of threat from the aggressor and the necessity to strengthen security measures for critical infrastructure facilities. Presidential and government authorities have already responded to the situation, emphasizing the importance of intensifying counterintelligence efforts against Russian espionage activities and increasing the mobilization readiness of Ukrainian security and defense agencies. Ukraine continues to fight not only on the battlefield but also in information and sabotage warfare, defending its independence and territorial integrity.