Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced on Sunday that they had killed two Russian special service agents suspected of assassinating a fellow officer, Ivan Voronych, in Kyiv earlier this week. The SBU believes Russia’s Federal Security Service was behind the assassination.
According to the SBU, the suspects, a man and a woman, attempted to lay low after the shooting but were tracked down by SBU and National Police officers in the Kyiv region. During their arrest, the suspects resisted, leading to an exchange of fire, and were ultimately eliminated.
The head of the SBU, Vasyl Malyuk, stated, “As a result of covert investigative and active counterintelligence measures, the enemy’s lair was discovered.” Malyuk added, “During their arrest, they began to resist, there was an exchange of fire, and the scoundrels were eliminated.” He emphasized that “the only prospect for the enemy on the territory of Ukraine is death!”.
The SBU investigation revealed that the suspects were ordered to trail their target to establish his daily routine and were provided with a safe house containing a pistol with a silencer. Voronych’s killing occurs amidst escalating Russian attacks on Ukraine, including the largest and second-largest drone attacks of the conflict.
The SBU plays a crucial role in Ukraine’s national security, handling internal security and sabotage operations against Russia. Recently, the agency was involved in a drone attack on Russian airfields, showcasing its capabilities. Malyuk’s statement serves as a warning to Russia, demonstrating Ukraine’s determination to protect its territory and citizens.