Ukraine thwarted a Russian-backed coup attempt on Monday, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The plotters aimed to overthrow President Volodymyr Zelensky and install a pro-Kremlin government. They planned to seize the building of Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada and disrupt its work.
The SBU reported that several alleged coup plotters were arrested, including a co-founder of an NGO known for its anti-Ukrainian activities since 2015. The group had planned to declare the 'removal from power' of Ukraine's military and political leadership and seize the Verkhovna Rada building.
The alleged coup plotters communicated with each other through various messaging platforms and met in small groups of three people. Searches at their residences yielded weapons, ammunition, mobile phones, and computer equipment with evidence of criminal acts.
The SBU also reported that the group planned to disseminate information about the 'unrest' in Kyiv through domestic and foreign media resources to destabilize Ukraine's socio-political situation in favor of the Russian Federation.
This is not an isolated incident. Ukrainian intelligence services have warned this year that the Kremlin has stepped up its plots against the Ukrainian government and schemes to destabilize Ukraine. Western governments have also warned that Kremlin agents have become more active in Europe.
It's important to note that these allegations are from one side of the story, and it's crucial to consider diverse sources for a complete understanding of events. The overall score for each source should inform you about their reliability, but always be skeptical and fact-check any information before accepting it as true.