Moldovan Authorities Foil Russian-Linked Plot to Assassinate Ukrainian Targets

Moldova Detains Three in Foiled Assassination Plot Against Ukrainians

According to Главком: Moldovan authorities have arrested three individuals suspected of preparing contract killings in Ukraine on behalf of Russian intelligence services. The plot, which began in December 2025, targeted a range of Ukrainian figures, including:

• A journalist;
• The head of a strategic state-owned enterprise;
• Personnel from Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), including fighters from the Foreign Legion;
• GUR representative Andrii Yusov.

A court in Chisinau's Ciocana district approved prosecutors' requests and ordered the three suspects detained for 30 days. One detainee is believed to be the probable organizer of the scheme, acting on orders from Russian intelligence. Another remains under investigation as prosecutors continue their work. This incident highlights the persistent threat of Russian-sponsored violence extending beyond Ukraine's borders into neighboring states.

According to evidence, the perpetrators planned to receive payment into electronic wallets for carrying out the murders. Ukraine's SBU security service, in cooperation with Moldovan law enforcement, thwarted the planned series of assassinations. In the initial phase, one suspect convinced two Moldovan nationals to travel to Kyiv for reconnaissance, disguising their activity as work for a food delivery company. In the second phase, in December 2025, the suspect received instructions to find individuals skilled with weapons and persuaded eleven people to participate in the killings.

“This arrest underscores the threats facing Ukrainian figures amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.”

Source: GUR representative Andrii Yusov

GUR representative Andrii Yusov officially confirmed he was one of the intended targets. He noted that the lists also included well-known journalists and former Russian citizens with pro-Ukrainian views. The criminals planned to eliminate a number of Ukrainian officials, journalists, and military personnel. Specific targets included a journalist designated as an extremist in Russia, a manager of a strategic state enterprise, and active-duty GUR military personnel, including Foreign Legion fighters.

The collaborative efforts of Moldovan and Ukrainian law enforcement demonstrate active cross-border cooperation in combating terrorism and contract killings. This case illustrates the broad attempts by Russian intelligence services to destabilize Ukraine through terror and intimidation, emphasizing the critical importance of regional security cooperation.