A 26-year-old woman from Zaporizhzhia allegedly poisoned a Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier in Uzhhorod at the behest of Russian intelligence.
Ukrainian Investigation Reveals Russian Link
Further investigation into the soldier’s death revealed a Russian connection. Analysis of the deceased’s recent contacts identified a 26-year-old woman from Zaporizhzhia, temporarily residing in Uzhhorod, who was present at the apartment at the time of death.
Recruitment via Dating App
Investigators determined the woman had been recruited by Russian special services, who used a fake profile on a dating platform to arrange a meeting with the soldier in a rented apartment.
Poisoning to Steal Data
According to Ukrainian investigators, the woman administered a pre-prepared substance to the soldier on the orders of her Russian handler. The intent was to incapacitate the man and seize data from his phone, resulting in his death several hours later from poisoning.
Attempt to Conceal Crime
Following the soldier’s death, the suspect attempted to cover up the crime by destroying the poison’s packaging, acting on instructions from her handler. She then called emergency services in the morning, attempting to stage the incident as an accident, according to the Ukrainian prosecutor’s office.
Charges and Potential Sentence
The woman faces charges of treason, which carry a potential sentence of 15 years to life imprisonment with confiscation of property.