Two men detained in Odesa for sabotage on railroad

In Odesa, the arrest of two men accused of sabotage, arson of railway infrastructure and obstruction of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was extended. According to the investigation, the men were recruited by Russian special services to commit arsons in Odesa region.

This is evidenced by the Peresypskyi District Court of Odesa.

According to the investigation, the men are charged with sabotage, intentional damage to property by arson and obstructing the activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Investigators believe that the defendants acted in collusion and set fire to railway infrastructure facilities. The defendants are a native of Kherson and a resident of Mykolaiv region, whom the investigation believes to be recruited by representatives of Russian special services.

One of the defendants is accused of several episodes, including arson attacks on objects of defense and economic importance. The other is being tried in a case of sabotage committed by a group of people under martial law.

The prosecutor's office stated that the defendants could hide from the court, influence witnesses or continue their sabotage activities. The petition emphasized that arson attacks on military vehicles and railway facilities in Odesa region continue during the war, and therefore the risks remain relevant.

The judge agreed with the prosecution's arguments and extended the arrest of both men until July 12, 2026. At the same time, the possibility of bail was left for both defendants. If released on bail, the suspects will be obliged to hand over documents for traveling abroad, not to leave the region without a court order and to avoid contact with witnesses and Russian citizens.

Also in May, the court found a man guilty of sabotage and sentenced him to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property. As law enforcement officers found out, the order of the Russian Federation was carried out by a mobilized man recruited by the enemy, who left the military unit in Odesa region without permission and went to Kyiv.

Анна Бальчінос