Kyiv Says It Thwarted Russian Plot to Kill Ukrainian Political Figures - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ukrainian authorities announced on Friday that they have foiled a Russian plot to assassinate senior Ukrainian political figures, arresting 10 individuals in Ukraine and Moldova suspected of involvement in the conspiracy. The joint investigation by Ukrainian and Moldovan law enforcement revealed an organized group planning "contract killings" of prominent Ukrainians and foreigners, according to Ukrainian Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko. During the operation, authorities conducted 20 searches across Ukraine, seizing cash, weapons, explosives, and communications with alleged Russian handlers. Seven suspects were arrested in Ukraine, while three others, including the alleged ringleader, were detained in Moldova.
The investigation uncovered a chilling detail: the group had been offered up to $100,000 for each high-profile target, with the amount depending on the victim's notoriety and influence. Among the identified targets was Andriy Yusov, a strategic communications advisor for the Ukrainian military involved in prisoner exchanges with Russia. This revelation comes amid ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides accusing each other of orchestrating killings of military and political figures.
While Russia has not yet responded to the allegations, Ukraine has previously claimed responsibility for several high-profile assassinations, framing them as retaliatory actions against individuals supporting or enabling Russian aggression. The case highlights the escalating stakes in the conflict, with both sides employing increasingly extreme measures. For readers interested in global security and geopolitical dynamics, this development underscores the volatile nature of the Russia-Ukraine confrontation and its potential implications for regional stability.
The situation also raises questions about the broader role of state-sponsored espionage and assassination in modern warfare. As Ukraine continues to assert its ability to counter such threats, the international community watches closely for any signs of escalation or de-escalation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which warring nations may go in their efforts to achieve strategic advantages.
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/20/2026