Ukraine’s security service arrests Russia-linked collaborator in Poltava

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in the Poltava region has arrested a 40-year-old man who collaborated with Russia while evading mobilisation.

According to the SBU's Telegram channel, the suspect assisted Russian forces by helping to adjust strikes on the central region of Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports.

He initially drew the attention of Russian intelligence through Telegram posts that discredited Ukrainian armed forces. After being recruited, he received a covert alias and secretly surveyed local areas, recording positions of Ukrainian troops. 

Most reconnaissance missions occurred during air raid alerts near Poltava, where he attempted to map routes and positions of mobile strike groups. 

Investigators determined that the gathered intelligence was intended to help Russia bypass Ukraine’s air defence systems during missile and drone attacks on the regional centre. 

The agent also collected information on Ukrainian training centres and military ranges targeted for potential air strikes. In addition, he continued spreading disinformation about Ukrainian defenders through messaging apps.

The SBU documented all of the agent’s activities and carried out his arrest. During searches, authorities seized a smartphone containing evidence of his work for Russian intelligence.

The suspect has been formally charged under multiple criminal articles and is held in custody without bail. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment and confiscation of property.

By Jeyhun Aghazada