Major operation in Ukraine: group planning coup dismantled

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has arrested a group of individuals who were preparing street riots and an attempt to seize the building of the Verkhovna Rada (Supreme Council) of Ukraine. The action was planned to take place on June 28 in Kyiv, during the celebration of Constitution Day.

The SBU announced the arrests on their official website. The statement revealed that the leader of the "activists" preparing the riots was a co-founder of an organization known for its anti-Ukrainian activities since 2015.

Planned power seizure in Ukraine: SBU in action

"Under the guise of organizing a so-called party, the attackers planned to announce the removal of the current military and political leadership of Ukraine. They then hoped to seize the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and block its operations," the statement read.

Among the arrested individuals were not only residents of the capital city but also people from the Dnipro region and several other regions of the country. The main task prepared by the "activists" was to incite riots and then quickly spread information and photos in the media suggesting a societal rebellion against the government.

"For conspiracy purposes, they communicated with each other through various messengers, and if they met, it was in small groups of three people. Security services uncovered the participants' illegal intentions early, documented their subversive activities, and detained the organizers," the statement read. According to information provided by the SBU press office, during the arrests and searches of residences, weapons and ammunition intended for the seizure of the Verkhovna Rada building were found.

The provocateurs were detained and placed under preventive arrest. They face up to 10 years in prison and confiscation of property.

War in Ukraine: military intelligence on "Maidan-3" operation

As early as February, Ukrainian military intelligence under the Ministry of Defense reported on Russian services preparing to carry out the "Maidan-3" operation in Ukraine. The aim was to incite riots and undermine the legitimacy of Ukrainian authorities. At that time, Ukrainian services reported that Russia had allocated nearly 250 million dollars for such actions. The total budget for the operation was to be 1.5 billion dollars, with the culmination expected between March and May 2024.

"In particular, Russian special services plan to challenge the legitimacy of decisions made by the authorities in Ukraine after May 20, sow panic and depression, artificially contrast the civilian population with military personnel, create disputes between Ukraine and its allies, and spread all kinds of conspiracy theories in society," the statement read.