Russian Secret Services Secretly Recruited Female Agent to Carry Out Attack on Sternenko: SBU's Account of Incident
Refresh on the Recent Attack on Ukrainian Activist, Sergei Sternenko
Get the lowdown on the latest developments in the attack on activist Sergei Sternenko, as reported by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU).
SBU's Initial Report
According to the SBU, a 45-year-old woman from the Odessa region, who resided in the capital, was recruited by Russian intelligence services in late 2024 while seeking 'quick cash' online. Initially, she was tasked with surveilling specific vehicles, taking photos, and passing the info to her 'contact.'
Eventually, she began receiving more complex assignments, including building a homemade explosive device and moving to an apartment in central Kyiv. From mid-April, she started watching Sternenko, ultimately moving into the same residential complex.
The Attack
On the morning of May 1, 2025, the suspect received orders to assassinate Sternenko near his residence. Armed with knowledge of Sternenko's car model and approximate departure time, she opened fire on him as he left his home. Thanks to swift action from SBU officers, the attacker was apprehended on the spot.
Evidence Against the Suspect
During searches, investigators discovered a phone with evidence of her collaboration with Russian intelligence and components for a homemade explosive device, which she kept in another apartment. The SBU continues its pre-trial investigation, working diligently to uncover all details of the crime and bring those responsible to justice.
Indictment and Charges
The suspect is charged with high treason, committed during a state of war, and attempted murder for personal gain, acting on behalf of a group by prior agreement. The punishment for such crimes can carry up to 15 years in prison.
Background
On May 1st, reports surfaced of Sternenko's attack, leading to injuries. Later, the SBU announced that Sternenko had been targeted in an armed attack and released photos of the detained attacker and the pistol. UNIAN also published a video of the attack on Sternenko, which it obtained from its own sources [1][2].
Further Investigative QueryFor more details about the 2025 Sergei Sternenko attack case, consider running a Google search using this query: "2025 Sergei Sternenko attack suspect details: Russian intelligence recruitment, FSB connection, Odesa resident charges" [3]
References:[1] UNIAN[2] SBU press service[3] Optimized Google search query based on the available information.
The woman, residing in Ukraine's capital, was recruited by Russian intelligence services in late 2024. She was initially tasked with surveillance activities and later received more complex assignments, including building a homemade explosive device and moving to an apartment in central Kyiv to monitor Sergei Sternenko. In 2025, she received orders to assassinate Sternenko and opened fire on him as he left his home. Despite these actions, the suspect was apprehended by SBU officers. The suspect is being investigated for high treason, committed during a state of war, and attempted murder for personal gain, acting on behalf of a group by prior agreement. These charges can carry up to 15 years in prison.
