Russia Planned Drone Attack on Odesa, Recruited Locals

Russia was planning drone attacks on Ukrainian troops in Odesa and recruited local residents to assist.

This was reported by the Security Service of Ukraine.

Ukrainian counterintelligence acted swiftly, detaining two Russian military intelligence (GRU) agents just before the planned drone strike.

They already had the ready-to-drop warhead and a target for the strike, approved by their Russian handler – one of the locations of the local Defense Forces unit.

One of the individuals involved was a 49-year-old local businessman, who had been recruited by the Russians via the Telegram messenger.

It is reported that he was initially given a drone by the occupiers, and later retrieved 2 kg of plastic explosive (plastid) and components for a homemade explosive device from a hideout, which he used to equip the drone.

The individual involved enlisted his 47-year-old acquaintance, who helped him identify the locations with the highest concentration of Ukrainian troops.

The identified positions were marked on Google Maps, and they reported them to their Russian handler.

After the target was confirmed, the men began preparing the airstrike. At this stage, they were detained by SSU counterintelligence.

“During searches, the agents were found with a drone equipped with explosives, as well as an AK-47, two Makarov pistols with ammunition, an F-1 hand grenade, and other weapons,” the Security Service of Ukraine reported.

The detainees have been notified of charges for treason, and they face life imprisonment with asset confiscation.

In December, the counterintelligence of the Security Service of Ukraine prevented a contract killing of an officer from the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.