Ukrainian Security Service Neutralizes Russian-Backed Group Plotting Violent Coup in Odesa

A combat group acting under Russian orders has been neutralized while preparing "a violent seizure of power in Odesa," Ukraine's State Security Service (SBU) announced on September 23.

In a Telegram post, the SBU stated that the group initially planned to take control of administrative buildings and state institutions in the city at the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

However, as Moscow's invasion stalled, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) instructed the group to lie low and await further orders. Reactivated over the summer, the group was quickly exposed by the SBU.

The SBU reported that the group's leader, a 49-year-old man who previously lived in Crimea and moved to Odesa after Russia's illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, along with his "right-hand man," had been detained.

For the public, the group claimed to be a non governmental organization focused on military history, ecology, and jurisprudence, but in reality, they created underground groups: snipers, reconnaissance, communications, operational support, and one of the main groups—an assault group.

During the operation, the SBU uncovered "70 firearms with optical sights and ammunition, as well as body armor, helmets, ballistic goggles, and other tactical gear."

In addition to weapons and tactical gear, instructions for sabotage activities, cold weapons (including those bearing the logo of Russian special services), and computer equipment containing evidence of crimes were seized from the individuals involved.

The group’s leader had recruited "more than two dozen" individuals, according to the SBU.

In the event of the capture of Odesa, members of the group were promised positions in the local Russian occupation administration.

"Currently, all of them are under investigation, and comprehensive measures are underway to hold them accountable for crimes against Ukraine," the SBU added.

If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison.