Ukraine charges student with allegedly spying for Russian intelligence

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has uncovered an alleged Federal Security Service (FSB) agent in the Cherkasy region who helped Russian forces adjust missile and drone strikes on energy infrastructure in central Ukraine.

Investigators said a local student was recruited by the Russian intelligence service after coming to its attention while searching for “easy money” in Telegram channels, Caliber.Az reports, citing the SBU.

According to the case materials, in exchange for promises of quick payments, he agreed to collect intelligence on the location of a key energy facility.

The suspect recorded the facility’s location, photographed it under the guise of taking walks, and stored the collected data on his mobile phone for later transfer to his FSB handler.

SBU officers identified and detained him at an early stage of activity in a student dormitory, where he was preparing a report for transmission to the Russian side.

During searches, a computer and a smartphone containing evidence of contacts and correspondence were seized.

The student has been formally charged with high treason committed under martial law.

He has been taken into custody without bail and could face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov