Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced on Sunday that it had killed two Russian agents suspected of the assassination of one of its officers in Kyiv. The incident, which took place on Thursday, March 7, 2024, saw SBU officer Ivan Voronych shot dead in what authorities have described as a targeted killing linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service.
According to the SBU, the suspects—a man and a woman—attempted to evade capture following the assassination. However, intelligence operations led by the SBU and the National Police located them in the Kyiv region. The agency stated that the operation to apprehend the suspects involved both covert investigative techniques and active counterintelligence measures.
The head of the SBU, Vasyl Malyuk, provided details about the operation, emphasizing the determination to eliminate threats against Ukrainian security forces. “As a result of our operations, the enemy’s lair was discovered,” he said. He further elaborated, “During their arrest, they began to resist, there was an exchange of fire, and the scoundrels were eliminated.” In a video message, Malyuk asserted, “I want to remind you that the only prospect for the enemy on the territory of Ukraine is death.”
The SBU indicated that the two suspects had been tasked with tracking Voronych to learn about his daily activities. They were reportedly directed to a safe house where a pistol equipped with a silencer awaited them. This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by Russian operatives within Ukraine, particularly as the conflict approaches its fourth year.
Ukraine’s Security Service plays a crucial role in the country’s internal security, as well as executing sabotage missions against Russian military targets. The agency has been involved in significant operations, including a recent drone attack on Russian airfields, showcasing its capacity for counteroffensive actions.
Voronych’s assassination occurs at a critical juncture, as Russia intensifies its military operations against Ukraine. The week leading up to the incident witnessed both the largest and second largest drone attacks in the ongoing conflict, underscoring the precarious security situation in the region.
The SBU’s swift response to the assassination reflects its commitment to addressing threats to its personnel and maintaining national security. As the conflict continues, Ukraine remains vigilant against the activities of foreign agents operating within its borders.
