The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia announced it had thwarted an alleged attempt by Ukrainian intelligence to sabotage the Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia’s sole aircraft carrier. According to the FSB, a Ukrainian intelligence officer, identified as “Oleg,” contacted a Russian citizen working on the ship, offering substantial rewards for committing an attack on the vessel. The FSB claims the operation was supervised by Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence agency.
The Admiral Kuznetsov, launched in 1985, has been out of service since 2018 due to extensive repairs following a crane collapse. Russian state media suggested in July 2023 that the vessel might reenter service by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, intense battles continue on the east bank of the Dnipro River in Ukraine’s Kherson region. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces are fighting fiercely for control of the delta islands. Ukrainian Special Operations Forces reported a significant success, claiming the destruction of 15 Russian boats in a nighttime operation. Utilizing drones equipped with drop systems, Ukrainian forces targeted and eliminated the enemy boats, thereby reducing Russian military mobility in the area.
Fighting has intensified across various frontlines in Ukraine. Russian forces have made advances southeast of Chasiv Yar, near Avdiivka, and southwest of Donetsk City, while Ukrainian troops have progressed north of Kharkiv City. In Moscow, the FSB reported preventing an assassination attempt on high-ranking Defense Ministry officials, and another foiled Ukrainian plot to recruit a Russian pilot to hijack a Tu-22M3 strategic bomber.
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