Ukraine detains alleged Russian military intelligence agent in western regions

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has detained a suspected agent of Russia’s military intelligence agency, the Main Directorate of the General Staff  (GRU), who was allegedly collecting targeting data for potential air strikes in western Ukraine.

According to the SBU, the suspect was preparing geolocation coordinates of critical infrastructure facilities in the Volyn, Rivne, and Ternopil regions. Investigators say the information was intended to support a new wave of Russian missile attacks. The targets reportedly included energy facilities, aviation infrastructure, mobile communications towers, and key railway sites operated by Ukrzaliznytsia, particularly those with high freight traffic, Caliber.Az reports. 

Ukrainian counterintelligence officers identified the suspect at an early stage of his alleged intelligence activities, documented his actions, and detained him at his residence.

The SBU said the detainee is a 42-year-old man originally from Ukraine’s Luhansk region who had been living in western Ukraine. He was allegedly recruited by Russian intelligence services through a relative residing in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. To avoid military mobilisation, the suspect reportedly obtained employment at an enterprise classified as critical infrastructure.

Investigators claim that after being recruited remotely, the man traveled across western Ukraine in his personal vehicle, using a dashboard camera to record video footage of strategic sites. These recordings were allegedly transmitted to his handler within Russia’s military intelligence structure.

During searches, authorities seized a smartphone containing what the SBU described as evidence of espionage activities, including correspondence with a Russian intelligence officer whose identity has been established.

The suspect has been formally charged with treason committed under martial law. He remains in custody and, if convicted, faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property under Ukrainian law.

By Sabina Mammadli