Minors among seven suspects detained for arson attacks on military and railway targets in Ukraine

Ukrainian law enforcers have arrested seven individuals suspected of conducting arson attacks on military vehicles and railway infrastructure across three oblasts, allegedly under Russian direction.

Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Russia’s espionage and sabotage activities are on the rise in Ukraine, with the SBU regularly reporting arrests of suspected spies and saboteurs.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and National Police detained the suspects in Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, and Cherkasy oblasts, SBU reported. The individuals are accused of setting fire to military vehicles and railway objects, using flammable mixtures, and recording their actions as proof for their Russian handlers.

In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, two 16-year-old residents of the Nikopol district were exposed for setting fire to a Ukrainian Armed Forces vehicle and a relay cabinet near an important railway line. Prior to the arsons, the suspects carried out “test” tasks from their Russian curator, including drawing “Z-graffiti” on building walls. SBU shared photos of communication in a phone messenger app, allegedly showing orders from a Russian handler and task completion reports.

In Cherkasy Oblast, authorities apprehended two Uman residents, aged 16 and 21, who had burned a multi-van and an SUV belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These vehicles were undergoing maintenance after completing combat missions at the front.

In Odesa Oblast, three young men were detained for setting fire to eight relay cabinets on railway lines. SBU says the Russians hoped to disrupt the logistics of the Defense Forces in the direction of the southern front through these actions.

All detainees have been notified of suspicion under various articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, including sabotage committed by a group of persons under martial law, obstruction of lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations, and intentional damage to property committed by arson.

The suspects face potential sentences ranging from 8 years to life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

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