In a shocking turn of events, Ukraine has successfully eliminated the entire assassination team sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin to 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 SBU Commander Ivan Voronic, who was gunned down in Kyiv on July 10th. The assassination, executed in broad daylight, sent shockwaves through Ukraine’s intelligence community, but the swift retaliation underscores the escalating covert war between the two nations.
Voronic, a key figure in Ukraine’s intelligence operations and instrumental in numerous successful missions against Russia, was ambushed as he left a residential building. A lone assassin, armed with a silenced pistol, fired five shots before chaos erupted. The Ukrainian Secret Service (SBU) quickly mobilized, launching an investigation that uncovered the assassins had been tracking Voronic for weeks, raising concerns about potential leaks within the SBU.
Just three days later, on July 13th, the SBU struck back, cornering the assassins—identified as Akani Gulizard and Namin Gulva—at a hideout in Kyiv. A fierce firefight ensued, resulting in the deaths of both operatives. The SBU confirmed the operation, emphasizing the meticulous planning that had gone into both the assassination and the subsequent retaliation.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the shadow war between Ukraine and Russia, with the SBU now facing urgent questions about security breaches that allowed the hit squad to operate within Kyiv. Voronic’s assassination is a devastating blow to Ukraine, as he was not only a master strategist but also pivotal in orchestrating operations that had humiliated Russian forces, including the stunning counteroffensive in Kursk.
While Ukraine’s swift counteraction demonstrates its resilience, the loss of Voronic raises concerns about the future of its intelligence efforts. As both nations continue to engage in a deadly game of espionage and assassination, the stakes have never been higher. With the shadow war intensifying, all eyes will be on Ukraine’s next moves as it seeks to avenge Voronic and secure its national interests against an increasingly aggressive Russian threat.