Ukraine warns Russia could exploit upcoming Independence Day for attacks and sabotage

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has warned Ukrainians to be extra cautious as the country prepares to celebrate Independence Day on August 24. The holiday, which marks Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence, falls amid Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion. The SBU highlighted the heightened security risks typically associated with national holidays in Ukraine during wartime, noting that large public gatherings can present opportunities for attacks and Russian efforts to sow fear and disruption.

According to the SBU, Russia could exploit Independence Day gatherings for various malicious activities, including attacks, provocation, sabotage, cyberattacks, or other criminal acts. Specifically, the agency cautioned about potential efforts by Russian intelligence services to recruit Ukrainians for sabotage operations within the country.

These recruits might be offered money for tasks such as setting fires, damaging property, planting suspicious objects, gathering intelligence on military installations, or other illicit activities.

The SBU urged individuals not to accept such offers and to report any attempts at recruitment immediately. They warned that recruiters might disguise their requests as routine tasks, such as photographing a specific location, delivering a package, or leaving an object in a certain place without revealing the true purpose of the mission. The agency advised people to exercise particular caution when interacting with unknown individuals, especially those claiming to represent law enforcement.

Furthermore, the SBU cautioned Ukrainians against sharing any information that could assist Russia in identifying military targets or evaluating the impact of its attacks. This includes photographs and videos capturing the locations of Ukrainian troops, critical infrastructure, checkpoints, and air defense systems. The agency also stressed the importance of refraining from publishing details about the aftermath of Russian strikes, Ukrainian air defense operations, or the movements of Ukrainian military personnel, as this type of information could reveal the whereabouts and activities of Ukrainian forces and help Russia assess the effectiveness of its operations.

Independence Day is of particular significance given the ongoing conflict. Four years after Russia initiated its full-scale invasion, Russia continues to target Ukrainian cities and infrastructure with missiles and drones. Ukrainian authorities remain vigilant about Russian intelligence activity and sabotage within the country. The SBU emphasized that Ukrainians should remain particularly vigilant before and during Independence Day, reporting any suspected recruitment, preparations for sabotage or terrorism, and any activity that might endanger national security.