Putin's Liquidation Squad Neutralized: Public Figures in Ukraine Had $100,000 Bounties on Their Heads

February 20, 2026

TL;DR

Ukrainian security services have dismantled a Russian liquidation squad accused of planning assassinations.
Targets included public figures, military intelligence officers, a strategic enterprise head, Kyiv's foreign legion fighters, and journalists.
Bounties offered ranged up to 85,000 euros ($100,000) per assassination, depending on the target's 'importance'.
The operation, codenamed 'Enigma 2.0', led to the arrest of ten individuals: seven in Ukraine and three in Moldova, including the alleged organizer.
The alleged leader is a 34-year-old Moldovan repeat offender reportedly recruited by Russian intelligence while serving a sentence in Russia.
Assassination methods included close-range shootings and placing bombs under vehicles.
Suspects entered Ukraine disguised as tourists and used rented properties.
Seized items included mobile phones, computer equipment, weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
Evidence of communication with Russian handlers was obtained.
The unit consisted of pro-Kremlin individuals with military experience.
Funding for the attacks was received via crypto wallets and foreign bank cards.
Agents tracked targets by posing as delivery couriers, photographing and geolocating them.
The goal was reportedly to spread panic and destabilize Ukraine through high-profile killings.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated for attempted contract murder and illegal weapons handling.

Continue reading the original article