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SBU arrests Ukrainian soldier in Kharkiv for aiding Russian missile strikes

Law enforcers detained a recently mobilized 45-year-old soldier in Kharkiv for suspected collaboration with Russian military intelligence, providing target coordinates for air strikes, and planning to flee to Russia to join enemy forces.
byYuri Zoria
24/09/2024
2 minute read
sbu arrests ukrainian soldier kharkiv aiding russian missile strikes suspect serving military who allegedly provided coordinates
Suspect serving in the Ukrainian military, who allegedly provided coordinates for Russian strikes. Photo: SBU
SBU arrests Ukrainian soldier in Kharkiv for aiding Russian missile strikes

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has detained a 45-year-old recently mobilized serviceman in Kharkiv on suspicion of treason, the agency reported on 24 September. According to the SBU, the soldier was remotely recruited by Russian military intelligence in August of this year.

Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Russian espionage and sabotage activities in Ukraine remain significant threats, with the SBU regularly dismantling spy networks, often coordinated by the Russian FSB and GRU agencies. The networks often comprise Ukrainian citizens who gather intelligence on defense positions and critical infrastructure in exchange for promised financial rewards. 

The suspect allegedly gathered information for the Russians about the aftermath of Russian missile strikes and the locations of Defense Forces. The SBU stated that the man was instructed to coordinate an air strike on one of the units of his own brigade.

In exchange for his cooperation, Russian special services promised to “evacuate” the man to Russia, where he planned to join the enemy forces and fight against Ukraine. To guide the attack, he reportedly marked “necessary” locations on a map and sent a screenshot to his Russian handler.

Sharing screenshots of a conversation in a messenger, the SBU also claims that the man conducted reconnaissance near Ukrainian air defense positions, which the Russians hoped to “bypass” during a missile attack. Following instructions from Russian military intelligence, he was supposed to arrive at a designated location on the front line before an enemy bombardment, with the occupiers creating a “corridor” for him to cross the front line.

The prosecutor’s office clarified that the man collected and transmitted information to the Russian forces about the consequences of missile strikes, locations of personnel and military equipment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the whereabouts of government bodies and military command authorities. The Russians reportedly used this data to plan combat missions, including those involving sabotage and reconnaissance groups.

The suspect has been charged with treason and is being held in custody without the right to bail. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

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