Ukraine detains Russian agent accused of directing strikes on Kyiv

Ukraine’s counterintelligence service, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), has detained a man accused of working for the Main Directorate of the General Staff of Russia (GRU) and transmitting coordinates used to direct airstrikes on Kyiv and energy infrastructure facilities in Donetsk region.

“According to the case materials, the enemy agent turned out to be a security guard at one of the capital’s universities. The suspect was recruited through his sister, who lives in the Russian Federation.

Subsequently, the relative acted as a ‘liaison’. It was through her that the agent transmitted coordinates to the GRU.

It has been established that in Kyiv, the suspect monitored the consequences of Russian attacks in order to adjust subsequent strikes on the city. Among his priority ‘targets’ was reconnaissance near thermal power plants and other energy infrastructure facilities in Kyiv.

It has been documented that the agent drove around the city, recorded the aftermath of enemy strikes, marked their geolocations on Google Maps, and photographed damaged buildings.

He also collected data on the location of reserve command posts and combat positions of the Defence Forces in Donetsk region.

To do this, the suspect covertly elicited information from acquaintances about Ukrainian defenders on various sectors of the eastern front.

SBU officers detained the suspect at his place of residence in the Kyiv region. During the search, a smartphone containing evidence of work for the enemy was seized,” the statement said.

The suspect is currently in custody without the right to bail and faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

By Vafa Guliyeva