Threat to the lives of Ukrainian servicemen
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported that since the beginning of 2026, more than 50 attempts to eliminate Ukrainian servicemen have been neutralized. These crimes were prepared by Russian special services. They used fake profiles on dating websites, staged dates, as well as explosives and toxic substances.
Recruiters approached military personnel through dating services and themed chats in messengers, creating fake female profiles. Homemade explosive devices and deadly poisons, which were mixed into food, medicines, or drinks, were most commonly used. Notably, in the spring of 2025, in the Kharkiv region, a FSB agent was detained who under the guise of volunteer assistance delivered food and medicines laced with poison to a serviceman. One of the parcels contained a bottle with a drink that had a lethal dose of methadone. The parcel was intercepted, and an examination confirmed the presence of poison.
Detentions and punishment
In January 2026, in Zaporizhzhia, the counterintelligence detained an FSB killer. He lured a serviceman to an industrial area under the pretext of meeting a girl and inflicted six stab wounds on him. A woman who had communicated with the serviceman from a fake account and prepared this trap was also identified. According to the SBU, investigations are underway on charges of treason, intentional murder, and terrorism. The suspects face life imprisonment with property confiscation.
In the Zhytomyr region, a 17-year-old resident of Berdychiv was detained. She is suspected of murdering a 27-year-old serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: at the direction of a representative of Russian special services, she allegedly added a substance, presumably methadone, to his drink. The SBU urges citizens to report suspicious activities via the 'Spot the FSB Agent' chatbot, by calling 1516, or by emailing callcenter@ssu.gov.ua.
These data vividly demonstrate the serious danger that diversionary methods pose to Ukrainian defenders.
The use of modern technologies in preparing attacks indicates a change in tactics by Russian special services: through terrorist acts they are attempting to destabilize the situation in Ukraine. For Russian-speaking readers, it is important to emphasize: the SBU's appeal to citizens serves as a reminder that public vigilance plays a crucial role in preventing such crimes.
Moreover, recently other threats to Ukrainian servicemen have been actively identified. For example, informants of the Russian intelligence continue to operate within the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, directing missiles and drones at strategically important facilities. This underscores the need for constant vigilance and cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies to prevent such threats.