Moldova and Ukraine have initiated a joint investigation into an alleged Russian-backed scheme to assassinate prominent public figures in Kyiv, authorities announced on Thursday, February 19.
Details of the Joint Operation
Moldovan police coordinated with Ukrainian law enforcement to launch the probe, suspecting involvement of Russian special services in directing attacks on several targets in the Ukrainian capital. Investigative actions commenced at 6 a.m. local time, led by a combined team.
The effort includes officers from Moldova’s Directorate for Combating Organised Crime, investigators from the National Investigation Inspectorate, and prosecutors from the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organised Crime and Special Cases. The special police “Fulger” brigade provides operational support.
Officials describe the plot as preparations for the physical liquidation of multiple Ukrainian public figures. No information has been released on the targets’ identities, the plot’s progress, or any arrests. Further updates will follow the completion of procedural steps.
Context of Broader Russian-Linked Threats
This case joins a wave of European probes into suspected Russian operations targeting Ukrainian officials since the full-scale invasion began. Kyiv has accused Russian intelligence of multiple assassination attempts and sabotage acts within its borders.
Related Conviction in Poland
In a connected development, a Polish citizen from Hrubieszów received a 3.5-year prison sentence for collaborating with Russian intelligence. The individual gathered security data at Rzeszów-Jasionka airport, a vital logistics center for Ukraine aid and a key transit hub for Ukrainians amid the conflict.
Authorities believe the intelligence aimed to enable an assassination attempt on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy previously stated that an early attempt on his life during the 2022 invasion led to fatalities within Kyiv’s Presidential Office.
