Suspect Arrested in Zaporizhzhia
A 26-year-old woman from Zaporizhzhia has been taken into custody by law enforcement for allegedly poisoning a Ukrainian serviceman on instructions from Russian special services. The crime came to light on April 13, when the soldier's body was discovered in a rented apartment in Uzhhorod. According to investigators, the suspect was recruited roughly a month before the attack and subsequently slipped a pre-prepared toxic substance into the victim's drink.
Case Details
Authorities report that Russian intelligence operatives created a dating site profile using the woman's information. Through this account, they identified the targeted serviceman, engaged him in conversation, and arranged a meeting. During their encounter, the woman allegedly added the poisonous substance to his beverage. The soldier died within hours of consuming it.
After the incident, the suspect disposed of the container holding the remaining substance and called an ambulance the following morning. By reviewing the deceased's recent contacts, investigators determined that the 26-year-old native of Zaporizhzhia was with the victim in the apartment at the time of death. She initially claimed they had been drinking together and suggested he may have died from excessive alcohol consumption.
The woman was arrested on April 23, 2026. The case has been handed over to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Her actions are being prosecuted under Article 111, Part 2 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which carries a sentence of 15 years to life imprisonment along with asset forfeiture. An investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and witness testimony.
This incident highlights the serious threats facing Ukrainian military personnel, particularly amid the active operations of Russian special services within Ukraine. The recruitment of civilians to carry out acts of sabotage and murder is a key tactic in Russia's hybrid war against the country. The investigation is critical for uncovering the full scope of the conspiracy and preventing future attacks.
In light of this alarming incident, it's important to recognize the broader issues surrounding security and safety for civilians and military personnel alike. Similar cases, such as the recent arrest by Kyiv police of a suspect involved in a sexual assault on Lysogirska Street, underscore the urgent need for vigilance and effective law enforcement measures. For more details on this disturbing trend, you can read about the case in Kyiv here.