Ukraine detains Russian military intelligence agent in Kharkiv region Photo

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has detained a man in the Kharkiv region on suspicion of acting as an agent for Russia’s military intelligence, allegedly gathering coordinates for missile and bomb strikes along the Kupiansk front.

The Security Service of Ukraine said the suspect was working for the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (commonly known as the GU). Investigators believe Russian forces intended to use the intelligence he collected to organise new attempts to advance toward the regional centre, Caliber.Az reports.

According to the investigation, the detainee is a 49-year-old resident of Kharkiv who had been hiding from mobilisation at his parents’ home in the Chuhuiv district. Ukrainian authorities say he drew the attention of Russian special services while searching Telegram channels for ways to leave for Russia. In one of the chats, he was allegedly contacted by a representative of the GU and offered cooperation in exchange for what was described as “evacuation.”

After agreeing, the suspect is said to have patrolled areas near the frontline, marking the geolocation of Ukrainian troops on Google Maps. He also allegedly used his parents’ yard as an observation point to track the timing and direction of Ukrainian artillery fire. Investigators say he conducted reconnaissance near suspected Ukrainian positions and recorded coordinates of potential targets on his smartphone to compile reports for Russian military intelligence.

The SBU reported that officers detained the man and took steps to safeguard Ukrainian forces. During a search, authorities seized his mobile phone, which they say contained evidence of collaboration with Russian intelligence.

The suspect has been formally notified that he is under investigation on suspicion of treason committed under martial law. He is being held in custody without the possibility of bail and faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment with confiscation of property if convicted.

By Sabina Mammadli