Ukraine's SBU thwarts assassination plot against Russian opposition figure in Kyiv

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) says it has prevented an attack targeting a Russian-born opposition figure residing in Kyiv.

According to the SBU, a man allegedly recruited by Russian security services to carry out the killing was detained before he could complete the plot.

Target fought on Ukraine's side

The intended victim is a Russian opposition figure who joined the fight on Ukraine's side after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. He also currently leads one of Ukraine's nationwide civic organizations.

The SBU has not disclosed further details about the detained suspect, the planned method of attack, or the timing of the intended assassination. The identity of the opposition figure and the name of the organization he heads have also not been made public.

The case points to continued efforts by Russian intelligence services to target opponents of the Russian regime who relocated to Ukraine after the war began and openly sided with Kyiv. Ukrainian security agencies have previously reported uncovering multiple plots for assassinations or sabotage on Ukrainian territory, which they have linked to Russian special services.