07 September 2026
(PHOTO: Collage by Intent)
In the Odesa region, a court sentenced a Russian agent—who was exposed by the Security Service of Ukraine for arson in October 2024—to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property. According to the investigation, the man worked for Russian intelligence agencies and, acting on their instructions, set fire to a village council building and a Ukrainian Armed Forces SUV.
According to the Security Service of Ukraine, the convicted man is a local unemployed resident who was looking for a way to make quick money through Telegram channels. It was there that a representative of the Russian intelligence services contacted him.
According to the Ukrainian security service, the Russian offered the man money to carry out arson attacks in the Odesa region. Among the designated targets were administrative buildings and vehicles belonging to Ukrainian military personnel.
After receiving instructions from his Russian handler, the man prepared flammable mixtures and set out to carry out the attacks.
First, he set fire to a local village council building. While the crime was being committed, the agent recorded the fire on his cell phone. He was supposed to send the video to the Russian client as proof that he had completed the task.
After that, the perpetrator carried out another arson attack —this time, his target was an Ukrainian Armed Forces SUV used by Ukrainian soldiers to carry out official duties.
SBU officers apprehended the Russian agent immediately after the crime. During a search, they seized his cell phone, which contained evidence of his subversive activities on behalf of Russia.
Based on evidence provided by the Security Service, the court found the man guilty on three counts under the Criminal Code of Ukraine:
As a result, the court sentenced the Russian agent to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.
Андрій Колісніченко