Ukraine Says Russian-Linked Network Planned Killings and Sabotage Across EU

Prosecutors said an international operation disrupted a network preparing assassinations, arson, and infrastructure attacks in multiple European countries. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied A man leaves the General Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine in Kyiv on May 7, 2019 (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukrainian prosecutors have exposed a network linked to Russia’s security services that was preparing contract killings, sabotage, and provocations in several European Union countries, as reported on Monday. According to the Prosecutor General’s Office , the operation was carried out jointly with investigators from Ukraine’s National Police and law enforcement agencies in multiple European states. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Investigators said the network began operating in August 2024, with representatives of Russia’s special services directing activities from outside the EU and using controlled intermediaries to organize violent acts within the member states. Authorities said they identified the organizers, intermediaries, financiers, and intended perpetrators of the planned crimes. One of the primary targets was Lithuania , but investigators said the network’s activities extended beyond the country, including discussions of attacks on military and public figures in Ukraine and plans for sabotage and provocations across other EU states. Prosecutors said suspects gathered intelligence on military facilities and equipment destined for Ukraine, considered arson attacks on infrastructure, and carried out sabotage at a military enterprise. Investigators said suspects conducted long‑term covert surveillance of two individuals: a Russian public figure who had received political asylum in Lithuania and a Lithuanian citizen known for supporting Ukraine. Other Topics of Interest Merz Says Ukraine’s EU Path Key to Ending War With Russia The German chancellor said deeper EU integration for Ukraine could be crucial to securing public support for a future peace deal with Russia in which Kyiv might be forced to vote on ceding lands. Citizens of Belarus , Georgia , Greece , Latvia , Moldova , Russia, and Ukraine were also involved in various roles, including surveillance, recruitment of attackers, financing , logistics, and communications. Perpetrators were allegedly recruited through intermediaries, including individuals with criminal backgrounds. Funding for the operations was provided through channels controlled by Russian intelligence services, using forged documents and accounts registered under false identities to conceal the origin of the funds, prosecutors said. As part of the international operation, law enforcement agencies conducted detentions and searches across the EU. Lithuanian authorities have issued suspicions against 13 individuals, detaining nine and issuing European arrest warrants for four others. Three suspects arrested abroad have already been extradited to Lithuania, while two more transfers are currently pending. Prosecutors said the network involved dozens of individuals and operated across multiple European countries. International cooperation in the case is ongoing as investigators work to identify additional suspects and criminal episodes. Ukrainian authorities emphasized that, under the country’s constitution, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court. Veronika Sukhanych is a political analyst with a foundation in governance, legal research, and international policy. Kyiv-born and educated in comparative politics, her background includes research on global financial institutions, responsible AI governance, and security policy.