Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, specifically the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the National Police, successfully arrested 33-year-old Viktor Velentei following a car bombing in Odesa that occurred on February 16. The bombing resulted in injuries to the SUV's owner, who was near the vehicle at the time of the explosion. Authorities state that Velentei was acting under orders from Russian secret services, illustrating ongoing threats posed by external actors during the current conflict.

Velentei's arrest was made possible through swift investigative work conducted by the SSU. Following the bombing, officials were able to trace the bomb to an improvised explosive device that had been placed beneath the parked SUV. The choice of target and the method of attack highlight the tactics employed by operatives linked to Russian interests, which often exploit local individuals seeking financial gain.

This incident underscores not only the challenges faced by Ukrainian authorities in safeguarding public safety but also the vulnerability of individuals who may be manipulated into committing acts of terror. The arrest and ongoing investigation into Velentei's motives and connections will be crucial in preventing further attacks and understanding the broader context of Russian influence in Ukraine's domestic security issues.