The SBU has exposed the network of agents of the Main Directorate of the Russian General Staff, which included Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach. This was reported by the SBU press service.

According to the investigation, Andriy Derkach supervised the creation of a number of private security companies in various regions in order to use these structures for the quick capture of Ukraine.

At the initiative of the SBU launched a pre-trial investigation against the MP.

The agency reports that the operational development of the network was conducted for a long time, but finally the SBU neutralized it at the beginning of the war, detaining a former assistant of the MP Ihor Kolesnikov. He, being a tacit employee of the Russian State General Staff Department with the call sign "Veteran," became a liaison and financial courier between the Russian special services and Derkach.

According to Kolesnikov, Derkach was recruited in 2016. The top leadership of the GRU - the head of the department Igor Kostyukov and his first deputy Vladimir Alekseev - worked with him personally.

Nardep, in particular, received funds from the Main Directorate of the Russian State General Staff to create private security structures, which the enemy planned to use for the capture of Ukraine. To implement his plans, the GRU allocated 3-4 million dollars every few months. As evidenced by the materials of the investigation, a significant portion of these funds settled in Derkach's pockets.

Kolesnikov himself went to a plea bargain after his detention and gave many interesting testimonies. In May, the court had already announced his conviction for high treason. He gave details of the network's activities and its assigned role in preparing for a full-scale war.

"When the troops would enter, when it would be understood that the cities would surrender, these PSCs ("private security companies" - note) were supposed to ensure the passage of equipment, get on armored vehicles with Russian flags, and thus ensure a peaceful entrance into the cities," Kolesnikov detailed.

Kolesnikov also said that during the capture of the capital the GRU planned to use two brigades of special forces and special operations forces, which were to enter from the territory of Belarus. From there, they would quickly advance into Kyiv, seize the government quarter, and assemble a party in the Verkhovna Rada that would vote to establish a new government. However, these plans were completely ruined by the Ukrainian defenders.

The SBU continues its operational and investigative efforts to bring to justice all individuals involved in the extensive network of agents.