Russia detains man on treason charges over alleged spy recruitment scheme

A resident of Russia’s Kursk region has been detained on suspicion of cooperating with Ukrainian military intelligence, according to the Federal Security Service.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) told Russi'a state media TASS that the suspect, born in 2002, allegedly established contact with a Ukrainian intelligence officer who communicated with him via the Telegram messaging app and offered payment in exchange for cooperation and tasks carried out on Russian territory.

The FSB said the individual recruited at least four acquaintances in the Kursk region to collect information. They reportedly provided data, including photographs, related to both military and civilian infrastructure in the region.

Authorities said the suspect was detained and a criminal case on treason has been opened. According to the FSB, he has confessed, and the investigation is ongoing.

By Sabina Mammadli