20-Year-Old Arrested in Kyiv for Arson on Russian Orders
On July 9, 2025, a 20-year-old resident of Kyiv was arrested for setting fire to an apartment on the orders of Russian intelligence agents impersonating SBU employees. The individual was instructed to target a person labeled as a “traitor,” according to information from the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.
The suspect reportedly met a girl online, exchanging messages with her for some time before they agreed to meet. She then requested money for a taxi but did not show up. Instead, he received a call from a supposed SBU representative who claimed the girl had been arrested for collaborating with Russia, and since he had sent her money, he was also funding the enemy.
To avoid legal repercussions, the young man was pressured to carry out a “mission” for the supposed intelligence agency — to set fire to the doors of the apartment belonging to the alleged traitor. Following the directives, the suspect acquired all necessary items for the arson and was given a photograph of the target and specific instructions on where to proceed.
The arsonist was apprehended and his actions classified under Part 1 of Article 194 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — intentional destruction of another’s property by fire. Authorities are currently investigating the suspect’s possible involvement in similar crimes in Kyiv and the veracity of his statements, as he agreed to comply with the orders instead of questioning the legality of the operation in fear of accountability. The offense carries a penalty of up to ten years of imprisonment.
This incident highlights a broader trend as security services have detained individuals suspected of collaboration with Russian forces. Recently, SBU conducted an operation that led to the arrest of a former military officer, a reserve colonel of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who began cooperating with an FSB general after his discharge in 2023. The suspect gathered data on the deployment of Ukrainian troops along the border in the Sumy region and attempted to establish an intelligence network in that area.
He reportedly used acquaintances within the Ukrainian military to conduct surveillance discreetly. His tasks included aiding the FSB general in creating a network in the border areas, recruiting current and former servicemen. The Russian agent’s objective was to find so-called “like-minded individuals,” with the recruitment process managed directly by Russian operatives. Following successful interviews with potential recruits, the agent was to transfer candidates for “training” on Russian territory.
, reports 24brussels.
