The SBU and National Police thwarted an attempt on the life of Serhiy Dubrov, First Deputy Minister of Health. Two suspects were detained while transferring funds to purchase firearms for the crime, according to statements from the SBU and police.
The suspects, a man and a woman from Kyiv Region, had been following Dubrov to study his routes and daily routine.
The pair rented an apartment in the same residential complex as the deputy minister.
“To prepare for the assassination, they trained at a private shooting range for an extended period to improve their skills with a pistol. The suspects then sought a black market arms dealer but were detained by the SBU and police during the money transfer for the weapon. They have been served notices of suspicion under Part 1, Article 14, and Part 1, Article 115 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (premeditated murder). Authorities are now deciding on a measure of restraint,” the statement said.
Law enforcement has not disclosed the motive behind the planned murder.
- Serhiy Dubrov has served as the first deputy to Health Minister Viktor Lyashko since March 2023. A Doctor of Medicine and professor, he previously chaired a department at the Bogomolets National Medical University.