Neo-communists were being trained in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions

The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the National Police, prevented an attempt by Russian special services to destabilize the situation in Ukraine by creating neo-communist cells. In particular, such centers were planned to be created in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions.

This was reported by the SBU Communication Department.

The Security Service of Ukraine, together with the National Police, exposed a network of pro-Russian activists who created neo-communist cells in eight regions of Ukraine. They were distributing Soviet symbols, calling for the overthrow of the government and waiting for the full occupation of the country.

Law enforcers exposed eight citizens who acted under the supervision of a teacher at the Naval Academy from St. Petersburg. On his instructions, they tried to form a network of supporters of the "Soviet Union" in Kyiv, Cherkasy, Odesa, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi and Zakarpattia regions.

The offenders created channels on Telegram and TikTok, where they disseminated Soviet symbols, propaganda, and calls for the formation of "party cells" and disobedience to Ukrainian law. The goal was to prepare the basis for undermining the situation on the ground in the event of increased Russian influence.

The investigation found that all members of the group were supporters of racist ideology and expected the full occupation of Ukraine. The examination confirmed that their activities were aimed at undermining socio-political stability in the country.

During the searches, their phones and computers were seized, through which they spread Kremlin propaganda. All eight defendants were notified of suspicion under a number of articles of the Criminal Code, including calls for the violent overthrow of the government, propaganda of the communist regime and justification of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The suspects face up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

SBU counterintelligence has also recently detected and detained another Russian agent in Odesa who, on the instructions of the FSB, was collecting coordinates of Ukrainian positions to prepare a combined drone and missile strike on the city.

Анна Бальчінос