SBU detains soldier for coordinating Russian strikes in southern Ukraine

Detention of a serviceman in Mykolaiv region

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: The Security Service of Ukraine, with the assistance of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has detained a mobilized serviceman from one of the artillery brigades in the Mykolaiv region. He is suspected of correcting Russian strikes on the positions of Defense Forces in Mykolaiv and Odesa regions. The serviceman's actions were remotely coordinated by an employee of the military counterintelligence of the FSB.

The detainee had previously deserted from his military unit and was subsequently recruited by the Russian special service. Upon returning to service, he was carrying out agent tasks, in particular, documenting the locations of logistics depots and the concentration of military equipment of the Defense Forces. The Russian side expected to obtain personal data of the command staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine units participating in battles on the southern front.

Evidence and Consequences

SBU cybersecurity specialists discovered the soldier's contacts with the Russian special service and documented his intelligence activities. An anonymous chat in a messenger was used for communication with the Russian curator. The gathered information was stored by the agent in the form of Google Maps screenshots indicating Ukrainian military facilities. During searches of the detainee, a smartphone with evidence of working for the Russian special service was seized.

SBU investigators informed the detainee of suspicion under part 2 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - state treason committed under martial law conditions. The serviceman is in custody without the right to bail, and if found guilty, he faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property. The Security Service of Ukraine has conducted a set of measures to ensure the safety of the personnel of the Defense Forces in the area of Russian espionage activity.

This case illustrates the serious threats that Ukraine faces during the war, including the risks of internal betrayal and espionage.

The importance of identifying and neutralizing such threats underscores the efforts of the Security Service of Ukraine in ensuring the safety of servicemen and the effectiveness of military operations. The detention of the serviceman may also affect the morale and trust within the Armed Forces, as issues of loyalty and security become exceedingly relevant in wartime conditions.