Russia's FSB arrests man for allegedly aiding Ukrainian intelligence

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has announced the arrest of a Russian citizen born in 1977 on suspicion of gathering and transmitting sensitive information to Ukrainian intelligence services through a messaging platform.

According to reports citing the FSB, including coverage by Moskovsky Komsomolets, the man maintained contact with a representative of a paramilitary organisation banned in Russia that is allegedly operating in the interests of Ukraine’s Defence Ministry intelligence agency.

The security service said the suspect acted under the direction of a handler and collected data about military personnel involved in what Russia refers to as the “special military operation.” He also reportedly passed along information regarding the locations of military units and the security systems protecting them in the city of Bikin.

The FSB stated that the transmitted information could have been used to undermine national security and cause damage to the country’s defence capability.

A criminal case has been opened against the detainee under charges of treason.

By Tamilla Hasanova