In a shocking turn of events, Ukraine's own secret service is under scrutiny for the death of pro-Russian politician Ilya Kyva. Found dead near Moscow with a head wound, Kyva was a former Ukrainian lawmaker with pro-Russian views who had moved to Russia following the 2022 invasion and became involved in pro-Kremlin talk shows. Ukrainian courts had sentenced him to 14 years in prison for high treason in his absence.
The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed Kyva's death and launched a criminal investigation. Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for Ukraine's military intelligence, acknowledged Kyva's death and called him "one of the greatest traitors and collaborators." He hinted at potential further actions against pro-Russian politicians.
In a similar incident, Oleg Popov, a former de facto lawmaker in the Russian-occupied part of Luhansk, was killed by an explosive device in his car on December 6, 2024. The Russian Investigative Committee initiated a probe into Popov’s death, and Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence claimed responsibility, stating it was part of efforts to target individuals collaborating with Russian authorities.
Recent Developments and Motives
In a surprising twist, Ukraine's Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confessed to Kyva's death in a special operation on December 6, 2024, in the village of Suponevo southwest of Moscow.[1] Kyva had been a target of Ukrainian counter-intelligence due to his pro-Russian activities.
Popov had participated in Russian-installed government committees and was a prominent figure in the Russian-occupied part of Luhansk.[1] There have been previous attempts on his life, with Yury Yorov, a member of the de facto parliament in Luhansk, attributing an earlier attempt to the SBU.[1][3]
Responses
Ukraine: - Actions: Ukraine's military intelligence has been actively targeting individuals collaborating with Russian authorities, as evident in the cases of Kyva and Popov.[1] - Statements: Andriy Yusov's statement indicates a broader strategy by Ukraine to deal with traitors and supporters of the Russian regime.[1]
Russia: - Investigations: Russian authorities have launched criminal investigations into both Kyva and Popov's deaths. - Assertions: Russian officials accuse Ukrainian special services of organizing the assassinations.[1]
Broader Context
These incidents reflect the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides involved in counter-intelligence and counter-terrorist operations. The targeting of pro-Russian politicians and collaborators underscores the deepening divisions and the escalating measures taken by both countries to secure their interests in the region.
Sources
[1] "Ukraine's SBU Confirms Ilya Kyva's Death by Special Operation in Russia," Kyiv Post, December 10, 2024, .
Enrichment Data: The current status and motives behind the investigations into the deaths of pro-Russian politicians Ilya Kyva and Oleg Popov are as follows:
- Investigations:
- Ilya Kyva: Kyva, a former Ukrainian lawmaker with a pro-Russian stance, was shot to death in a special operation by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in a village southwest of Moscow. The Russian Investigative Committee confirmed his death and announced that a criminal investigation has been opened into the incident. The SBU has been accused by Russia of organizing the assassination, but Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the killing[1].
- Oleg Popov: Popov, a former de facto lawmaker in the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine's Luhansk region, was killed by an explosive device that detonated in his car. The Russian Investigative Committee also launched a probe into his death. There have been previous attempts on his life, with Yury Yorov, a member of the de facto parliament in Luhansk, attributing an earlier attempt to the SBU[1][3].
- Motives:
- The motives behind these killings are largely political. Both Kyva and Popov were seen as collaborators with Russian authorities, and their deaths can be interpreted as part of Ukraine's efforts to counter Russian influence and propaganda within Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has been targeting individuals who collaborate with Russian forces, viewing them as traitors to Ukraine[1].
- Impact on Tensions:
- These incidents are significantly impacting the tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The assassinations are seen as acts of retaliation by Ukraine against individuals who support Russian interests, further escalating the conflict. Russia has accused Ukrainian special services of organizing these assassinations, which adds to the already heightened tensions between the two nations[1][3].
- The ongoing conflict and these targeted killings reflect the deep-seated mistrust and hostility between Ukraine and Russia. The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of various forms of aggression and espionage[1][4].
In summary, the investigations into the deaths of Ilya Kyva and Oleg Popov are part of a broader political struggle between Ukraine and Russia. These incidents are exacerbating the tensions between the two nations, with each side accusing the other of various forms of aggression and espionage.
