Ukraine detains student accused of directing Russian strikes

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has detained a student accused of assisting Russia in coordinating strikes on targets in the Dnipropetrovsk region, an official statement  by the agency said.

The SBU said the suspect allegedly provided targeting information for Russian attacks on temporary deployment sites and logistics hubs used by Ukraine’s Defence Forces.

“According to the case materials, the young man directed Russian fire toward temporary bases and logistics centres of the Defence Forces. He also attempted to identify key bridges and railway stations used by Ukrainian troops for cargo transportation,” the agency said.

The security service added that officers established the suspect’s whereabouts and carried out an arrest operation.

“SBU officers established his whereabouts and detained him. During a search, a smartphone containing evidence of cooperation with Russia was seized,” the statement said.

Investigators have formally notified the student that he is suspected of committing high treason under martial law, one of the most serious offences under Ukrainian law.

The suspect has been placed in pre-trial detention without the possibility of bail while the investigation continues.

If convicted, he faces a sentence of life imprisonment with confiscation of property, according to the SBU.

By Vafa Guliyeva