Ukraine detains Russian agent guiding “Geran-3” drone strikes

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has detained another alleged agent of Russia’s military intelligence in the Dnipropetrovsk region, accusing him of helping guide Russian “Geran-3” drone strikes against Ukrainian forces near the front line.

Military officials, in a statement on Telegram, said the correction of air strikes was carried out by a local unemployed man recruited by the enemy, Caliber.Az reports.

He came to the attention of Russian intelligence while searching for “easy earnings” in Telegram channels using his nephew’s account.

In exchange for promises of “quick money,” the suspect allegedly agreed to identify positions of Ukrainian artillery, including HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems, which Russian forces were preparing to target with drone strikes.

He also agreed to track the movement of Ukrainian armoured units heading toward the front line.

According to the SBU, the suspect set up a “watch post” on the roof of his home, from where he used binoculars and a mobile phone camera to monitor military convoys.

He then marked coordinates on Google Maps and reported them to a Russian handler.

For communication, he allegedly used his nephew’s phone and a pre-agreed code.

For example, certain number combinations indicated specific military targets or signalled readiness for contact.

The SBU said the suspect was detained “in the act” when he left his home to take close-range photographs of Ukrainian military equipment.

During searches, officers seized two smartphones allegedly used for intelligence gathering and communication with Russian operatives.

Investigators have charged him with high treason committed under martial law.

He faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property if convicted, the SBU added.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov