Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian security officials revealed on Monday that a plot to overthrow the federal government in Kyiv had been foiled amid escalating Russian attacks on the capital city. Four Ukrainian civilians were apprehended over the weekend on suspicion of orchestrating a coup by seizing Parliament and declaring their intent to replace military and civilian leadership. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) disclosed that the investigation into this alleged coup attempt began in May.
Although few details have been provided about the plot, authorities stated that the individuals involved, described as “activists,” had disguised their intentions under the pretense of organizing a peaceful rally in Kyiv on Sunday. Despite some dissenting messages exchanged on social media, the majority of participants in the event were seemingly unaware of the group’s plan to coerce the public into supporting a temporary government, according to Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s office.
It remains uncertain whether the detained group had any ties to Russian officials, but the SBU suggested that the scheme could have ultimately benefitted Russia. U.S. and European intelligence officials have also accused Moscow of intensifying its clandestine efforts against Kyiv and its international allies in a bid to undermine support for Ukraine earlier this year.
Russia has recently made gains in Ukraine, prompting security officials to warn on Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is adopting a new strategy in targeting Kyiv. The Kyiv City Military Administration highlighted that the aggressor is experimenting with new tactics and emphasized the importance of heeding air raid sirens that have been a persistent feature in the city for over two years.
The administration pointed out the absence of ballistic and cruise missiles in the latest strike on the city but cautioned residents not to disregard the warnings, as rocket debris poses a serious threat to human life.Overall, the foiled coup attempt in Kyiv underscores the ongoing tensions in the region as Ukraine faces increasing pressure from Russian aggression.